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The Drama League Series of Plays 
VOLUME I 



KINDLING 




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MARGARET ILLINGTON 



KINDLING 

A Comedy Drama in Three Acts 



BY 



CHARLES KENYON 



WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY 

CLAYTON HAMILTON 




Garden City 1914 New York 
DOUBLEDAY, PAGE & COMPANY 



T6 55^' ' 



ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 

Copyright, 1914, by 
E. J. BOWES 



In its present form this play is dedicated to the reading 
pubhc only, and no performances of it may be given, ex- 
cept by special arrangement with the owner of the acting 
rights, who may be addressed in care of the publisher. 

Sec. 4966. — Any person publicly performing or representing 
any dramatic or musical composition, for which copyright has 
been obtained, without the consent of the proprietor of the said 
dramatic or musical composition, or his heirs or assigns, shall be 
liable for damages therefor, such damages in all cases to be as- 
sessed at such sum, not less than one hundred dollars for the 
first and fifty dollars for every subsequent performance, as to 
the Court shall appear to be just. If the unlawful performance 
and representation be wilful and for profit, such person or per- 
sons shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction be 
imprisoned for a period not exceeding one year. — U. S. Revised 
Statutes, Title 60, Chap. 3. 



JAN 13 1914 



©C!.D 35648 



INTRODUCTION TO THE DRAMA LEAGUE 
SERIES OF MODERN PLAYS 

FIRST VOLUME 

The Officers and Directors of the Drama League of 
America believe that the full purpose of their organiza- 
ton can be realized only when the general average of 
f jdiences in the American theatre shall attain to a degree 
of intelligence in regard to the drama in some way com- 
parable with that to be found in the theatres of Europe. 
They believe that one of the most important elements in 
the product of European audiences has been the opportun- 
ity given them, individually and continually, to study the 
drama in its printed form, both before and after its presen- 
tation upon their stage. By this means are they kept ac- 
quainted with all important dramas as they are produced, 
or before they are produced, in the leading theatres of 
their own or other countries. 

The modern French or German play sells in its editions 
of thirty or forty thousand, at the cost of a franc or a mark 
the volume (twenty to twenty-five cents). Audiences are 
accordingly familiar with dramatic literature; they are 
fitted to appreciate, and intelligently discuss and support 
important pieces in the theatre. Consequently all stand- 
ards in the theatre are higher abroad — this applies to 
plays, criticism, acting, and production, and these higher 
standards are a natural result of a greater intelligence in the 



INTRODUCTION TO THE DRAMA LEAGUE SERIES 

audience; is "what the public wants" — in fact, demands 
— in the European theatre. These continental audiences 
are composed of people individually able to understand 
whether author, actor, producer, or scenic artist is re- 
sponsible for the elements that make for the play's success 
or failure; and so they can properly allot praise or censure, 
as well as obtain an intelligent added pleasure in the 
theatre over and beyond their mere interest in "the telling 
of the story" on the stage. It is by this means only that, 
in the European theatre, pieces like Brieux' "Les Avaries" 
(Englished as "Damaged Goods") and the philosophical 
and socialistic dramas of Germany, particularly, are suc- 
cessful. 

The printed play has also a particular interest to the 
reader; quite apart from the interest of any story-book or 
novel. In the drama it is necessary, because of the me- 
dium of action by means of which the story is told, that it 
progresses rapidly, tersely; in vivid picturesque dialogue, 
eliminating merely the unnecessary and uneventful in- 
tervening scenes and characters, as well as the tedious de- 
scriptions of scenery and atmosphere that pad out the 
novel. In the theatre this background is supplied by the 
stage picture; in reading it is left for the imagination of 
the reader to supply, — as well as the appearance and 
motions of the actors; a most unusual opportunity to con- 
tinue to practice, in mature life, the vivid imaginings of 
romance too often abandoned after childhood! There is 
hardly a play but will well repay the individual by a close 
reading of its text. Almost half the wit of Captain Mar- 
shall's "His Excellency the Governor," for instance, is 
so subtle as to evanesce in crossing over the footlights : the 
whimsical dialogue of Sir James M. Barrie in reading even 

[vi] 



INTRODUCTION TO THE DRAMA LEAGUE SERIES 

exceeds in wit and point its hearing in the theatre, when 
quip follows quip so rapidly that even the most alert specta- 
tor cannot obtain the fullest amount of pleasure possible, 
from a single hearing; while the thrill and suspense of 
Gillette's "Secret Service" or "Sherlock Holmes" hang 
as heavily around the printed page as in the theatre 
auditorium. 

The printing of worthy drama is a positive necessity 
to the student of the theatre. Even if he is a resident of 
one of our largest cities, his opportunity to see any in- 
dividual play in performance is only during the compar- 
atively short period of its local run. Before or after that 
time, unless the piece is obtainable in published form, he 
has no opportunity to enjoy the work or refresh his memory 
in regard to it for purposes of discussion or study. He pos- 
sesses in the printed play an important educative ele- 
ment, increasing his interest on both acting and the drama 
by a comparison of the piece as it reads and as it acts — 
and no other better means exists for the individual to 
obtain self -instruction — the most individual and valu- 
able, if not the only, real means of education — in regard 
to the principles and practices of the drama and the arts of 
the theatre. In the second place, the drama in its 
printed form is in a great many cases the only means by 
which those interested in the theatre and its development 
to-day can keep in touch with the processes of that devel- 
opment — because of their comparative isolation in 
cities or localities remote from theatrical centres of pro- 
duction. Even the student residing in New York City 
or Chicago cannot make any adequate study of the drama 
from the pieces acted on Broadway, or within "the loop" 
— many as are those plays that are presented, in one lo- 

[vii] 



INTRODUCTION TO THE DRAMA LEAGUE SERIES 

cality or the other, for his attention! If even a person 
thus favorably located has to depend upon the printed 
playbook to obtain any properly proportioned idea of the 
current drama, it indicates how much more isolated or 
restricted is the outlook of the person living in any other 
city — let alone those residing in still more remote lo- 
calities far from anj^ centre of theatrical interest. Such 
a person is at present absolutely cut off from all means of 
participation in or knowledge of the progress of a mighty 
art — probably the one art possessing the most inherent 
educational value for the masses of our country — as a 
whole! 

Further than this, the American playgoer — because of 
the entirely commercial control of the American amusement 
situation — is peculiarly isolated from all real centres of 
modern dramatic interest. He has no opportunity what- 
soever to become acquainted with the many important 
dramas of progress produced in the Folk theatres of Russia ; 
the socialized German theatres; the subsidized theatres 
of France; and even sometimes in the individually di- 
rected English theatres, unless he is conversant with the 
European languages and possesses means of keeping in 
touch with English and Continental publications of modern 
drama. 

In undertaking the selection of modern dramas for publi- 
cation in "The Drama League Series of Plays," the purpose 
of the League is twofold. It first desires to select from 
the modern plays of importance in the theatre, in America 
or abroad, those pieces most worthy of reading and study 
by a person desiring to form or maintain an intelligent 
basis for the appreciation of modern drama. To this end 
the books to be selected will come from two groups; one will 

r viii 1 



INTRODLCTION TO THE DRAMA LEAGUE SERIES 

include the best of the plays current on the American 
stage for the year; the other will cull from the most im- 
portant European plays of recent years those indispen- 
sable to the student of the drama (when not otherwise 
already obtainable in English) in order to comprehend 
the growth and development of the theatre in other 
countries as well as in his own. These plays will by no 
means always be epoch-making dramas. That is neither 
possible, nor altogether to be desired. Some proportion 
of them will be as light and entertaining (and, indeed, 
somewhat more intelligent, withal!) as the current "best 
seller" — of the day — provided only that they carry 
other merits of drama as well. It is quite probable that 
the European pieces will generally be more important in 
the historical development of the theatre than those pub- 
lished from the English or American stage; whereas the 
latter will probably often be of more compensatingly direct 
interest to American readers because of their greater insu- 
larity in outlook and nearer relationship in point of view. 

It is also the purpose of this Committee to assist, so 
far as may be possible, in standardizing the publication of 
plays so that, through their publishers or in cooperation 
with other publishers, all English and American readers 
may eventually be able to obtain books of plays bound at 
a nearly uniform size — certainly at a uniform height, to 
stand side by side upon their shelves — in a comparatively 
compact volume, at an inexpensive price. Many plays 
have been published in the format of a novel, which 
makes at once a too bulky and cumbersome proportion 
for the playbook; to be convenient for purposes of study 
it should preferably be of a size to slip easily into the pocket. 
It is hoped that the style and format determined for 

[ix] 



INTRODUCTION TO THE DRAMA LEAGUE SERIES 

the Drama League plays will meet with such general sat- 
isfaction as to assist in bringing other publishers to adopt 
as nearly as possible a uniform size — while the League, in 
perfecting this arrangement with Messrs. Doubleday, 
Page & Co., has provided for the publication of this 
series, bound in brown boards, for $.75 a volume in the 
hope that so low a price would bring these volumes within 
the reach of every one interested in the drama, and serve 
to insure a sale sufficiently large to make this series possess 
a real educative influence upon the playgoers of America, 
and so also become eventually profitable to the publishers. 
A further arrangement with the publishers provides for 
possible future special "Drama Study Editions" of those 
plays for which members of the League will subscribe in 
advance a sufficient number of copies to make such an 
edition possible, at a still lower price, that will be available 
only to members of the Drama League of America. By 
special arrangement with various publishers, your Com- 
mittee will be able to include within this special edition 
called for by the Study Courses other standard plays al- 
ready published or controlled by firms other than Double- 
day, Page & Co., whom the Drama League has selected 
as its exclusive publishers for "The Drama League Series 
of Plays." The selection of the plays to be included in 
this series has been placed in the hands of a special 
sub-Committee, composed of Mrs. A. Starr Best, the presi- 
dent of the Drama League of America; Mr. Clayton Ham- 
ilton, already well known as a critic and writer interested 
in the best products of our Stage, and Mr. Alfred A. 
Knopf, whose membership at once represents the publish- 
ers and attests to the personal study he has made of the 
theatre here and abroad. 



INTRODUCTION TO THE DRAMA LEAGUE SERIES 

The inception of this series came, in the first place, 
from the discovery that it was often impossible, in the 
preparation of Drama Study Courses, to call for the study 
of the best and most representative plays, because of the 
fact that these plays now did not exist in any printed form 
in English! It will eventually be the purpose of this 
series to include those volumes, not otherwise obtainable, 
which will be called for by the Drama Study Courses once 
they have been completely revised with the idea of incor- 
porating those plays most representative of the country, 
and best representative of the individual dramatists whose 
work they are — v/ithout qualification of any kind whatso- 
ever! Under this arrangement, the National Committee 
on Publications Relating to the Drama will endeavor al- 
ways to secure the most authoritative and best possible 
translations of all plays included within this series, as 
well as the publication rights in English of those plays that 
will be required to complete the Library of books neces- 
sary to the study of the Modern Drama in Europe and 
in America, that will continue to remain the immedi- 
ate objective of this new department of Drama League 
work. It is the sincere intention of all those concerned 
in this venture to make the name of this series stand always 
for all the merits of an authoritative and definitely complete 
edition. It is also the intention to arrange to accompany 
these plays with a brief introduction giving the history of 
the piece and the facts about its author; and, wherever 
possible to supplement each publication by a critical 
study analysis which will aid the reader in arriving at a 
just estimate of its technical merits or defects of construc- 
tion, dialogue, etc. 

It is already evident that the alertly awakening interest 
[xil 



INTRODUCTION TO THE DRAMA LEAGUE SERIES 

of the American public in the theatre predetermines the 
development of a more distinctive American drama than 
we have ever yet possessed in this country. There al- 
ready exist some pieces written by American playwrights 
during the last thirty years that are of historical import- 
ance to the study of the development of the American 
stage — and yet a number of these pieces are unobtain- 
able in printed form, and are rarely — if ever — revived 
upon our contemporary stage. So far as it will be possi- 
ble to find authoritative manuscripts or prompt-books of 
such of these plays as are at present unobtainable, their 
publication will be arranged for to supplement the number 
of current pieces in the theatre, from which this Committee 
will also select from time to time, as representative of the 
American drama of the day. These latter plays will not 
alwaj^s prove the most important pieces of the year. 
They will probably rarely — or at least not for many years 

— prove to be even frequently the financial successes in 
the American theatre! They will, on the other hand, so 
far as possible, be representative of the best of work being 
contributed by American dramatists — or others — to 
the current theatre; or plays that promise to indicate a 
new and interesting t^^pe; or that recall in some appro- 
priate form a type worthy of intelligent study, further 
analysis and investigation. It may often even happen 
that the plays published in this series may not be those 
generally approved by the various Playgoing Committees 

— whose problem is concerned not alone with the play, 
but also with its production and its acting performance. 
In the case of foreign plays, particularly, members are 
warned that they should not allow themselves to be con- 
fused by apparent differences of opinion between the Play- 

fxiil 



INTRODUCTION TO THE DRAMA LEAGUE SERIES 

going Committee and the Publication Committee; be- 
cause it very often happens that an important foreign 
play — instanced notably, a year ago in an adaptation ar- 
ranged by Mr. Charles Frohman of an English piece, 
"Chains" by Elizabeth Baker — has been hopelessly 
modified (or very considerably altered) in its adaption to 
suit the peculiar managerial ideas of "what the public" 
— in America — "wants." With the exception of a few 
foreign plays presented by visiting players of the intelli- 
gence, for instance, of Madame Simone, we have prac- 
tically never had in our theatres an opportunity to see a 
French or German play as it was conceived and written 
by its authors! 

Finally, your Committee will not always be able to 
include all those pieces of the theatre that they would de- 
sire to see in this series, for two reasons : In the first place 
they desire not to print probably more than about an 
average of ten volumes the year. This will insure that a 
rather careful process of selection will be observed, as well 
as prevent overheavy drains upon the purses of those who 
may desire to possess the complete series; and it should 
also be realized that many authors already have existing 
contracts with publishers which give those publishers 
the exclusive rights to the publication of their pieces, and 
would so prevent their work being represented in this 
"Drama League Series of Plays." 

In conclusion, the scheme of this series should be again 
reiterated. 

It is to supplement the plays already obtainable in 

authorized English versions by those other important 

continental pieces at present unavailable to the English 

reader. It is also to select from pieces current in the Ameri- 

[xiii] 



INTRODUCTION TO THE DRAMA LEAGUE SERIES 

can and English theatre the more important or more 
representative plays of this or recent years. Eventually, 
purchasers of the complete series of Drama League plays 
will find themselves in possession of a thoroughly repre- 
sentative library of dramatic literature, English, American 
and Continental^ 

Frank Chouteau Brown, 
Chairman of the "National Committee on 
Publications Relating to the Drama." 
December 1, 1913. 



[xiv] 



INTRODUCTION 

This play, which is the first to be presented to the 
reading pubUc under the auspices of the DramaLeague 
of America, has had an interesting history. It was 
written by Mr. Charles Kenyon, a young newspaper 
man on the staff of the San Francisco Examiner, 
Though Mr. Kenyon had previously produced a 
striking one-act melodrama, his name was utterly 
unknown in the theatre when Kindling was accepted 
by Mr. Edward J. Bowes and produced with Miss 
Margaret lUington in the leading part. 

Unheralded by any advertising in advance, the play 
was brought to Daly's Theatre in December, 1911. 
Daly's had, by that time, ceased to be a popular 
playhouse, and Kindling opened on the same night 
when Madame Nazimova and Miss Ethel Barrymore 
were also being presented in new plays at more 
fashionable theatres. The result was that Miss II- 
lington's performance received only brief and per- 
functory notices in the newspapers and that Kind- 
[xvl 



INTRODUCTION 



ling was not attended at all by most of the regular 
reviewers. In the few weeks before Christmas, 
scarcely any plays can do a good business unless 
they have been widely advertised; and it soon be- 
came apparent that Kindling was a failure. The head 
of the great booking syndicate in whose hands lay 
the destiny of the production glanced hastily at the 
scanty record of receipts, crossed the play off his 
list, and ordered the scenery to be sent to the store- 
house. It is not recorded whether or not he had 
taken the trouble to see the play; but great managers 
are, of course, very busy people. 

After the hours of Kindling had been numbered, 
and about ten days before the date when the truck- 
men had been ordered to transfer the scenery to the 
store-house, three men, with nothing better to do, 
happened to stroll in, severally, to see the play. One 
of these men was a novelist, another was a playwright, 
and the third was an author of books about the 
theatre. Having received what was to them an un- 
usual impression, they rushed back to a famous club 
of which all three of them were members and dis- 
turbed the peace of a traditional fire-side by emphat- 
ically asking such questions as "Have you seen 
Kindling?'' and "Who is Charles Kenyon.?" No- 
[xvi] 



INTRODUCTION 



body could answer the second question; but several 
of the other members of this club had seen the play, 
and all agreed that it was a work of unusual sincerity 
and extraordinary merit. 

It was then that the novelist suggested that so ex- 
cellent a work must not be allowed to pass into ob- 
livion, — that all the writers present owed a duty to 
their unknown fellow-craftsman to bring his play to 
the notice of an appreciative public. It was agreed 
at once that the only way to accomplish this end was 
to hit upon an expedient of advertising that had 
never been employed before. Many methods were 
discussed; and finally a practicable plan was agreed 
upon. Every member of this impromptu conference 
pledged himself to take at least five well-known 
writers to see the play within the next three days. 
Then, at the conclusion of the third day, a circular 
letter was printed, calling the attention of all people 
who were seriously interested in good art to the ex- 
ceptional merits of this play; and this letter, signed 
with twenty or thirty names of men and women whose 
own literary work was known throughout the country, 
was simultaneously despatched to every newspaper 
in New York. 

The receipt of a communication so extraordinary 
[ xvii ] 



INTRODUCTION 



as this became at once, in the parlance of the pro- 
fession of journalism, a "good news item." The letter 
was printed prominently, and the occasion received 
comment in the editorial columns. Spurred on by 
this advantage, several of the "Kindling Boosters," 
as they now called themselves, wrote special articles 
for the Sunday editions and gave these "stories" to 
the newspapers free of charge. 

In response to this sudden campaign of advertis- 
ing, the business of the play improved. Then a sub- 
committee of the ''Kindling Boosters" called upon 
the head of the great booking syndicate and pleaded 
with him to give the play another chance. They 
called his attention to the fact that their support of 
Kindling was entirely disinterested. None of them 
had ever heard of the author, none of them had ever 
met the producing manager or the leading actress; 
some of them were authors of successful plays, of 
which the new piece might be regarded as a rival, 
and all of them were very busy people, who were 
giving up their time to help a work that they be- 
lieved in. They believed in Kindling because of 
its sincerity; and they honestly believed that the 
American public would support the play, if only its 
life could be continued. 

[xviiil 



INTRODUCTION 



The head of the booking syndicate was moved. 
"Where shall I send it?" he asked. "Chicago/' 
was the answer; and he booked it for one week at 
the Cort Theatre in Chicago. The "Kindling 
Boosters" then rushed to the nearest telegraph 
office and explained the situation to the Playgoing 
Committee of the Chicago Centre of the Drama 
League of America. This Committee issued an ad- 
vance bulletin, urging all the local members of 
the Drama League to rally to the support of the 
play. 

Kindling opened in Chicago to a crowded house. 
It played to such a profit that the head of the book- 
ing syndicate proceeded to extend its career. There- 
after the piece was acted for over fifty weeks, in 
every part of the United States, and never, for a 
single week, did it fail to return a substantial profit 
to the managers. 

This incident opens many vistas on the current 
conditions of theatrical management in this country, 
and emphasizes the manner in which worthy plays 
may be assisted by such disinterested organizations 
as the Drama League of America. No good play 
can fail if enough appreciative people can be per- 
suaded to see it; and the purpose of the Drama League 
[xix] 



INTRODUCTION 



is to organize and to deliver an appreciative audience 
for all plays that are worthy of serious support. 

But the movement in support of Kindling could 
not have been successful if the play itself had not been 
worthy of it. The one feature of the piece which 
served to excite the enthusiasm of the original trio 
who organized the "Kindling Boosters" was the 
evident fact that the author had written it because 
he cared deeply about life and not for any lesser 
reason. Mr. Kenyon, when he conceived and wrote 
this play, had something to say; he said it to the best 
of his ability ; and he meant it with all the power that 
was in him. Professional writers, who are themselves 
habituated to all the tricks of craftsmanship, cannot 
be deeply moved by any work that is not utterly 
sincere. 

Mr. Kenyon is a good story-teller; he constructs 
a plot with ingenuity; he can create real and living 
characters; he can express profound emotion in 
direct and touching dialogue. These merits will 
become manifest at once to those who read the text 
of Kindling. But the main merit of this play is not 
its technical dexterity : it is the fact that Mr. Kenyon 
is gifted with that love of life which leads to under- 
standing, — that essential sincerity of attitude and 



INTRODUCTION 



utterance that wins and holds the sympathy of a 
responsive public. 

Kindling is admirable as a work of art; but it is even 
more important as a social document. It is a sincere 
and sympathetic study of the emotions of the des- 
perate poor. The play reminds us with a pang that 
each of us is at least a tacit partner in a social organi- 
zation that is guilty of infanticide upon an enormous 
scale. There is blood upon our hands; and the re- 
sponsibility is ours. What are we going to do about 
it? — remain silent partners in the crime, or take a 
more active hand in the business of society and en- 
deavor to reorganize it in such a way as to mitigate 
its cruelty? Mr. Kenyon is an artist, and his play 
is not polemical; but after we have lived the life of 
Maggie Schultz for an evening in the theatre or the 
library, we can scarcely recede to our own more snug 
and comfortable lives without asking ourselves some 
questions such as these. 

Clayton Hamilton. 



XXI 



KINDLING 

BY 

CHARLES KENYON 

First produced by Margaret lUington, under 
the direction of Edward J. Bowes at Daly's 
Theatre, New York City, December 3, 1911, 
with the following cast: 

Maggie Schultz . . . Margaret Illington 

Heinrick Schultz . . . .A. Byron Beasley 
Mrs. Bates .... Annie Mack Berlin 

Steve Bates George Probert 

Mrs. Burke Smith .... Helen Tracy 
Alice ...... Anne Meredith 

Rafferty Frank Camp 

Mr. Howland John Jex 

Donovan James McCauley 



KINDLING 

act I 



CHARACTERS 



Maggie Schultz 
Heinrich Schultz 
Mrs. Bates 
Steve .... 
Mrs. Burke Smith 
Mr. Howland 
Alice .... 
Dr. Taylor . . 

Raffertt 
Donovan 



Her husband, a stevedore. 

Mrs. Bates*s son. 

Her business manager. 
Her niece. 

An interne from a public 
hospital. 



Scene : Home of Schultz, in a New York tenement. 
Time : Present. 



ACT I: Morning in Autumn. 

ACT II: Late afternoon. Two weeks later. 

ACT III: Forty minutes later. 



ACT I. 

Discovered: Bates is at the wash tuh^ scrubbing 

and rinsing clothes in a pail. Steve comes down 

stairs and is about to cross the landing when Mrs. 

Bates sees him. 

Bates [Washing at tub — turns and sees Steve 
coming downstairs]. Steve! Will ye take this 
basket o' wash upstairs to our place before ye g' out? 

Steve [Lounging in the doorway, rolling cigarette]. 
I'd like to, Mud, but I couldn't lift a dollar bill be- 
fore breakfast. 

Bates [Crossly]. Go on, then. Faith, do ye 
ever do anything ye poor mother asks ye? 

Steve [Good humor edly] . God help me, if I did 
everythin' ye asked me. 

[Xs down R. to stove 

Say, you got some kind of heat in here, ain't ye? 

Bates. Ye'd better keep out o' here now. Ye 
know what Heinie said — he didn^t want ye to ever 
come in his place. Be careful now — he means it. 

[3] 



KINDLING 



Steve [With a laugh]. Say! You must have 
a life size piture o' what that Dutch boob can do 
to mel 

Bates. I know what he'll do all right. 

Steve. If Dutch don't like me, what are you 
hangin' around here fer? Ye got a home o' yer 
own upstairs, ain't ye? Why don't ye stay in it.? 

[Xs up C. to mirror above window — up R. and 
starts brushing hair.] 

Bates. If ye was any account on earth, ye'd pack 
the wather upstairs fer me so I could, instead of 
havin' me comin' down here botherin' the Schultzes. 

Steve [Cheerfully] . The water ought to be piped 
up there — there ought to be a f asset on every 
floor. The law says that. 

Bates. Well, you're doin' nothin' else. Chase 
down and see that the landlord obeys the law. 

Steve. [Turns down C. 

What do I want to mix up in it fer.^^ You pay 
the rent, don't ye? 

Bates [In angry disgust]. Ah, get out o' me 
sight! 

Steve [Yawning]. Well! Me to the street fer 
a stiff drink an' a fat breakfast. 

[He steps out into the landing and is about 
[4] 



KINDLING 



to go down the stairs, but he sees somebody 
coming up the stairs and steps back into the 
room again.] 
[To Mrs. Bates]. 

Say — here's somethin' pretty nice comin* up here. 
Bates. What d'ye mean? 

Steve. That nice little fancy squab from Fift' 
Avenue. 

[Bates goes out on the landing and looks down. 
Bates [Speaking downstairs]. Oh, good morn- 
in', miss. Come right up. [To Steve, who is 
R. of doorway]. You get out! Go on, get out! 

[Steve loiters in the room until Alice appears 
in the doorway. She is a young woman of 
about '^0, fashionably dressed. She hesitates 
on seeing Steve. Bates throws Steve a 
look. Steve ogles Alice, who enters, avoid- 
ing him. He goes out and downstairs.] 
Steve [As he exits]. Oh, you kid! 
Alice [Xs down C. R. of Bates at tub]. Good 
morning. You're Mrs. Bates who lives upstairs, 
aren't you? 

Bates [Washing at tub]. Yes. I'm the lady 
from right over here. I drop down into Maggie's 
place sometimes to do me washin'! 

[5] 



KINDLING 



Alice. I see. I was expecting to find Mrs. 
Schultz at home. 

Bates. She ain't been here since I came down. 

Alice. I don't believe we know each other? 

Bates. Sure I've seen ye around the buildin' 
the last two weeks. Ye're doin' tinement work. 

[Brings down chair C. to Alice, Xs to 
wash-boiler on stove R.] 

Alice [Sitting]. Oh, not exactly that. I've 
been helping poor Mrs. Simons look after her sick 
child. She expected me this morning to come and 
stay with it while she went out, but I find I won't 
be able to for an hour or so, and I thought Mrs. 
Schultz might take my place. 

Bates [Poking clothes in boiler with stick]. 
Sure, I'm thin' ye won't be bothered many mornin's 
watchin' that kid. 

Alice. No. Doctor Taylor says it isn't going to 
live. 

Bates. Faith, the young doctor didn't have 
to feel the child's pulse to find that out. 

Alice. What do you mean? 

Bates. He only had to glance at the place the 
child was tryin' to live in. [Takes clothes from wash- 
boiler on broomsticky dropping same into bucket.] 
[6] 



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Alice. I know, it's terrible! It's an outrage! 
[She pauses troubled. Bates grunts her approval.] 
Mrs. Bates, I've induced my aunt to come down 
this morning. 

Bates. Yer aunt? 

Alice. Yes — Mrs. Burke Smith; that's why I 
can't go to Mrs. Simons' now. She'll be here 
with Mr. Rowland, who manages her business 
affairs. 

[Alice rises, Xs R. 
I mean to take them over this building from top to 
bottom and show them everything. 

Bates. That sounds as if your aunt had money. 

Alice. More than she knows what to do with! 

Bates. And ye're hopin' she'll spill some around 
here, eh? 

Alice. Yes. 

Bates [Still busy fishing out clothes from wash- 
boiler on stove]. Faith, that ain't the cure for the 
troubles of this place ! It's the owners of the buildin' 
should give us what we pay for. 

Alice [Thoughtfully]. That's very true, Mrs. 

Bates. The owners of this building must do their 

duty. [Quickly — fearing lest she has said too much.] 

Of course we shouldn't judge them too harshly. 

[71 



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Property like this is usually in the hands of agents. 
And sometimes the owner doesn't know what the 
real conditions are. I can't think they'd shirk their 
moral responsibility if they did. 

Bates. I guess the wise agent ain't puttin' 
them kind o' words in the contract. 

Alice [After a moment of troubled thought]. I 
had no idea myself until a few weeks ago. It was 
Doctor Taylor who told me. 

Bates. Faith, he kicks enough, but that's all 
he can do. 

Alice. I suppose you've wondered why I come 
down here so often .^^ 

Bates. The doctor said you were interested 
in humanity. [Snickering.] I'm thinkin' the young 
feller looks on himself as quite a crowd. 

Alice. 

[Xs to vase on shelf and puts flowers she is 
wearing in vase and sets it on bureau with 
flowers in it.] 
[Embarrassed.] Well! One evening at dinner 
he happened by the merest chance to tell me of 
his work down here, and of the terrible condition 
that prevailed. The next morning I came down to 
see for myself! 

[8] 



KINDLING 



Bates. And that got ye interested in humanity? 

[Xs back to tub. 

[Dryly.] Ah! He's a nice young feller. 

Alice. [Xs to C. R. of tub. 

Well, the more I've come here, the more I've realized 
something must be done! Finally, I spoke to my 
aunt. She wasn't deeply impressed. 

Bates [Half disgust]. I guess not! 

Alice. She thinks it's one of my fads, but I've 
induced her to come down and see for herself, and 

I hope 

[She breaks of with troubled apprehension. Xs 
up R.] 
Well, we'll see. [As if desiring to change the subject.] 
You can't say when Mrs. Schultz will be back, 
then? 

Bates. Faith, I can't keep track of Maggie 
these days. She's actin' kind o' queer lately. 

Alice. [Xs down to Bates. 

Why — is anything troubling her? She hasn't 
quarreled with Mr. Schultz? 

Bates. I ain't heard of it, but ye can't tell — 
his father was Dutch. Lately he's stormin' round 
because he thinks he ain't gettin' his rights here 
in the buildin'. He's heard the doctor talk. 
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Alice. The doctor shouldn't say things to make 
people discontented. 

Bates. The child's got to spout his learnin' 
somewhere. He'd blow up if he didn't! 

Alice [Smiles]. I know. He's very earnest. 
Bates. Uh huh. [She glances up at Alice and 
they both laugh.] He's a fine bye. 

Alice. [Going toward the door. Embarrassed.] 

Well, I'll come back again when my aunt comes; I 

mean to show her everything. [She passes out. 

[Steve is on the landing holding door. She 

passes him without looking at him. Goes 

upstairs.] 

Steve. 

[Indicating Alice; coming down, toothpick in 
mouthy speaking to Bates.] 
Pretty fine, huh? 

Bates [At tub]. Ye hadn't better get fresh with 
her. 

Steve [R. of Bates and tub]. Awh, Hell! 
Skoits love it! 

Bates [At tub]. Maybe your kind do. 
Steve [Turning to Bates]. My kind? 
Bates. It's a dangerous road ye're traveling, 
Steve. Ye ought to be plyin' an honest trade like 
[101 



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Heinie. Sure, it's breakin' me heart to see ye doin' 
what ye are ! 

Steve \Good naturedly. Flicks soap suds from 
tub at Mrs. B., C] Fergit it! 

Bates. I try to take pride in ye, but yer a good- 
fer-nothin' lad! and it'll be the end of me some 
day. . . . 

Steve [Good naturedly]. Aw, dry up ! I ain't a 
dub — some day I'll set ye up in a sunny flat, and buy 
ye phoney curls till yer head aches. How's that? 

Bates [Alarmed]. Where d'ye mean to get the 
money, Steve? 

Steve [Turns up C. 

Don't you fret. 

Bates [Alarmed]. Steve! 

[Maggie enters from downstairs, carrying some 

kindling in her apron. She crosses to stove 

wearily and starts putting the sticks of wood in 

the top of stove. Steve sits on table up C] 

Oh, there ye are ! That young lady was here asking 

fer ye. Did ye see her? [No answer. 

Maggie, don't ye hear nothin' I say to ye lately? 

Maggie. What'd ye say? 

Bates. I said that young lady, Miss Alice, was 
askin' fer ye. 

rill 



KINDLING 



Steve. [Up C. sitting on table by window. 

Say, she's some looker all right. I seen that kid 
doctor downstairs. He*s comin' up here. 

[Maggie sits in chair before stove down R. 

Steve [Getting off table]. I'd like t' pipe her 
loose on 14th Street — I'd have her doin' the turkey 
trot in the Brighton before midnight. 

Bates. That ain't no way to talk about a good 
woman. 

Steve. [Down to C. 

That's the only kind I have on me staff. 

[Xs down to Maggie at stove — above chair in 
which Maggie sits]. 
Say, angel face, you're the only good girl I know. 
Any time ye get tired lookin' at the face of that 
crazy Dutch husband of yours . . . 

Bates [Tuts some of her washing on chair C.]. 
Steve, shut up — get upstairs now. Heinie don't 
want ye in his place nor talkin' to Maggie anyhow. 

Steve [Good naiuredly to Maggie]. Hear that? 
Yer Dutch husband says I can't talk to ye. 

[Xs bach to C, 
[As he crosses up.] Ain't it hell to be hated? 

Bates. What ye want here anyhow? 

Steve. [Up C. 

[12] 



KINDLING 



It's freezing up there . . . gimme somethin' 
for the fire. 

Bates. Maggie, can ye give the bye some wood 
so he'll get out . . . Maggie! 

Maggie. I just put the last piece in the fire. 

Steve [Dumping clothes of chair C, sitting]. 
Then I sits here till me mother gits the strength 
t' chop some more. 

Bates [Picking up clothes]. Let him stay in a 
few minutes till I finish me washin'. 

Maggie. I don't care what he does. 

Steve. 0, you little daredevil. 

Bates [Busy washing]. There ought to be some 
wood around here somewhere. Maggie, what ye 
doin' with that baby cradle? 

Maggie. What cradle? 

Bates [At tub]. The one ye was packin' home 
from the furniture factory fire last week, 
don't ye remember . . . with one leg busted off ? 
Let Steve break it up for you. 

Maggie. I ain't choppin* that up. 

Bates [At tub]. Sure you can't sell it. Tain't 
worth nothin' . . . there's plenty of cradles 
layin' empty around here. [Pause] 

What's the matter? 

[13] 



KINDLING 



Maggie. Oh, nothin'. How's that sick kid 
downstairs?' 

Bates. Sure if it's still alive, it's nearly dead. 
Maggie. And only three years old. 
Bates. Sure it might 'a' spent the time better 
niver bein' born at all. What's the use? They say 
they're comin' for it with the ambulance and the 
poor little divil too near dead to enjoy the ride. 

Taylor [Downstairs of stage L. Calling loudly]. 
Hey there . . . anybody home? 
Bates. There's the young doctor now. 

[Taylor enters up R. C, carrying a doctor's 
medicine satchel and a baby.] 
Hello, doctor. 

[The Doctor is a young man of about twenty- 
five. He carries a small baby wrapped in a 
cheap gray blanket.] 
Taylor [To Bates up C.]. Good morning! 
Will you keep this kid here a while? Its mother 
has to go to the drug store for the other one. 

Bates. Sure it's a great way ye have o' holdin 
a baby. [Snatching it from him.] Gimme it. [Hold- 
ing it admiringly.] Ain't it a fat rosy one? Don't 
ye be triflin' with this child. It's the only healthy 
one in the buildin'. 

[141 



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[Handing it to Maggie, who places baby in 

clothes baskety L of table up C. Doctor puts 

satchel and hat on table up C. Doctor Xs 

down R. to stove.] 

Put it away, Maggie, where he can't get at it. . . . 

Carryin' a baby around with its head below it's 

feet. . . . [Going to tub. 

Was ye try in' to teach it to skin the cat? Sure ye 
better try raisin' a family before ye try curin' one. 

Maggie. Say, doctor, you goin' to take the 
other one to the hospital .^^ 

Taylor. I guess it isn't worth while. 

Maggie. What ails it.? Do you know? 

Taylor. Improper sanitation. 

Bates [At tub, scornfully]. Improper sanitation 
. . . a hell of a lot you know ! 

Taylor [Laughing]. WTiat! 

Bates. Some of them dude babies uptown might 
catch improper sanitation from ridin' too fast in auto- 
mobeels or overfeedin'. But the divil of a disease 
wid a name like that will yez find in this district ! 
[Wringing clothes.] That baby's sufferin' from a se- 
vere attack of bein' born down here where he shouldn't 
be born ! 

115] 



KINDLING 



Maggie [Up C. by table. To Taylor]. Tain*t 
so. Somethin's wrong inside, ain't it? 

Taylor. I guess about everything's wrong inside. 

Bates [At tub]. No doubt ye'll soon be takin' 
out some of the child's plumbin'? 

Taylor. It's the plumbing here in the house 
that's doing the business, if any one should ask 
you. 

Steve. 

[Jumping up impatiently and making for the door. 
Awh! 

Bates. Where yer goin', Steve? 

Steve [In disgust, turning to door]. Upstairs 
where it's cold. Gee, ye're a healthy bunch of grave 
diggers. [He exits into the hall and upstairs. 

Taylor [Starting for the door, laughing. 

Well, see you later. 

Bates. Good day, doctor. 

Taylor [Stopping, as if struck by a sudden 

thought]. Oh, by the way — you haven't seen two 
ladies and a gentleman here to-day? 

Bates. How's that? 

[Maggie Xs to window R. 

Taylor. There's a gentleman and two ladies. 

Bates [Shyly]. And one's a young lady? 
[16] 



KINDLING 



Taylor. [Down C. anxiously. 

Yes, that's it! 
Bates. They're expected shortly. 
Taylor [Brightening up]. Sure? How do you 
know.'^ 

Bates. From the way you're loafin' around. 
Taylor \With a half embarrassed laugh]. Noth- 
ing gets by you, Bates, does it? Well, so long — 
I'm busy. 

[He leaves his medicine case on the table up C. 
by window C. as if unconscious of it and 
again starts for the door.] 
Bates. Oh, doctor. 
Taylor. [Pausing]. Eh? 

Bates [Winking at Maggie]. Ain't he the 
cute one? [Pointing to the medicine case.] I sup- 
pose it's a shame to tell ye, ye're forgettin' yer 
little pill box! 
Taylor [Trying to look surprised]. Gee whiz! 
Bates [Laughing at him and imitating his 
start]. Gee whiz! .... D'ye notice the sud- 
den start of surprise? He was savin' that for the 
young lady. Sure, here's a better excuse than that. 
[She picks up the wash basket up C. into which 
Maggie had placed the baby.] 
fl7l 



KINDLING 



Here's me basket of wash with the child on top. 
[Putting the basket in his arms.] Carry it upstairs 
to my place. I'm thinkin' it's got a high fever. 
When yer friends come in, ye kin just be bringin' 
him back to life. 

Taylor [Laughing]. But see here. . . . 
Bates. Drop in here for some hot water. 
[Nudging him in the ribs, handing clothes basket 
to Taylor.] 
Taylor. But suppose they ask to see the kid. 
He doesn't look very feverish. 

Bates. Wait till youve had him a while. 
Taylor. 

[Starting for the door^ carrying the basket and 
medicine case and laughing.] 
You're a wonder! 

Maggie [At window R.] Say, doctor 

Taylor [Pausing] . Yes. 

Maggie What made that other one sick? Ye 
ain't told me yet? 

Taylor [Offhand]. Just living down here. It's 
enough to kill a horse! 

[Exits and upstairs. Maggie turns away to 
hide the effect his words have had upon her.] 
Maggie. [Xs down to Bates at tub. 

[18] 



KINDLING 



Other kids are born down here. This place is good 
enough for them to live in, ain't it? 

Bates. Aw^ Maggie, will ye fergit it? 

Maggie. They're grown up all right, and they're 
happy and good as any other kids. Ain't they? 
Well, ain't they? 

Bates [At tub]. Yes . . . look at them 
with their little bits of wizened bodies and chalky 
faces. D'ye suppose any one of them could be a 
policeman? Then look at my bye Steve — can lick 
any one in the ward. He was born and raised in 
Wyoming. Sure, a kid from here wouldn't stand no 
chance wid him. 

[Maggie Xs thoughtfully to stove. 

Steve [Coming hurriedly downstairs and enters]. 
Say, Mud, how about some wood for the fire? Get 
busy, will ye? 

[Sits on corner of table up C. swinging foot. 

Bates [Crossly]. If ye were a good lad, ye'd 
be out in the street gettin' me some. 

Steve [Good humoredly]. If I was a good lad, 
I'd be takin' yer wash home Saturday nights instead 
of me dame to the theatre. Now rustle me up some 
wood, will ye? 

[Sitting on table up C. and accidentally kicking 
[19 1 



KINDLING 



cradle, which is concealed under table by 
table cloth which hangs down in front of it.] 
What's this? 

[Pulling cradle from under table. 
Here's where Stevie gets some steam heat. Here's 
that cradle youse two was gassin' about. 

Maggie [At him, savagely] . You leave that cradle 
alone ! 
Steve. 

[Catches a glimpse of baby clothes in it, and 
goes off into peals of laughter as he steps back. 
Maggie throws herself protectingly over the 
cradle. Laughing. Xs R. to window.] 
This is no place for a young feller. 

[Heinie is heard coming upstairs. Bates 
gives a start, then suddenly hurries toward 
window up C] 
Bates. Hark! Somebody's comin'. [She looks 
out the window.] It's Heinie. 

[Maggie looks up startled — Steve stops 
laughing — Maggie hurriedly hiding the 
cradle under the table again — Bates fright- 
ened.] 
Steve — get out! Get out, will ye, or there'll be a 
fight. 

[20] 



KINDLING 



[Steve has started Jor the door^ but finds thai 
he has no time to get out. Turning back 
into the room with bravado, he crosses down 
to stove.] 
Well, Fmlookin'forit! 

[Heinie enters, Heinie then looks at Maggie 
up C. by table, who is trying to control her 
agitation.] 
Heinie. Hello, Maggie! [No one answers.] What's 
the matter with ye? 
Maggie . Nothing ! 
Heinie. Yes, they is. 
Maggie. Why no. I. . . . 
Bates. Why, it was nothin', Heinie. She . . . 
[Steps, accidentally knocks down poker which 
is leaning against the stove. As she fails for 
an answer, Heinie looks at Steve keenly.] 
Heinie [Turns, sees Steve. Pause — to Mag- 
gie]. You go in there a minute. 

[Takes Maggie L. to exit. As Heinie Xs L 
with Maggie, Steve picks up poker from 
floor.] 
Maggie. Heinie . . . I . . . 
Heinie [Urging her — kindly]. Go on ahead. 
[Maggie exits L. Heinie Xs below tub to C, 
[211 



KINDLING 



where he meets Steve. While Heinie's hack 
is turned Bates motions frantically to Steve 
to get out. Heinie turns and advances 
toward Steve, who holds the poker behind 
his back.] 
Bates [Frantically]. Why, Heinie, it's noth- 
ing 

[Heinie plants himself squarely before Steve, 
who Xs to C.to meet him.] 
Heinie [Heinie and Steve, eye to eye]. A while 
ago you came to my wife with a line of talk about 
goin' to work in a dance hall as a waitress — I 
heard about it, and ye was careful to keep out of 
my sight. Now I told yer mother ye wasn't to 
come into this place or speak to Maggie. 
Steve (C). Aw, I was only joshin'. 

[Bates Xs below Steve, R. 
Heinie [Cutting him short]. Well, you don't 
pull that josh in my home, see! What's more, 
you keep out of it! 

Steve. Aw, I just come in fer some wood. 
Heinie. Get out into the street and chop yer 
own. Women don't work for your kind in this 
place. Just get that — your game won't go. 
Steve [Defiantly]. What game? 
[22] 



KINDLING 



Heinie. Bringin' j^oung girls down to your dance 
hall. Makin' 'em drink, plyin' a trade so dirty low 
even the dogs in the street wouldn't mix with ye. 

Steve [Threatening him with the poker]. Why, 
damn ye! 

Heinie [Seeing poker is in Steve's hand. Undis- 
iurhed]. Put that down. 

Steve. Maybe I'd like to hold it. 

Heinie. Put it down! 

Steve [Dropping it and speaking with meaning]. 
All right, I don't need it. 

Bates [Behind Steve, touching his arm plead- 
ingly]. Boys, boys! 

Steve [Angrily]. You shut up! [To Heinie.] 
Now what ye gotta say.^ 

[Mrs Bates picks up poker from floor. 

Heinie. Just this: If you know what's good 
for ye, don't ye ever show yer mug in this place 
again, and if ye ever try yer con talk with Maggie, 
like ye passed her a while ago. . . . 

Steve, Well? 

Heinie [In a cold, steely voice]. You're a pretty 
handsome feller; I guess ye need ye looks in ye 
business, don't ye? 

Steve. It's me stock and trade. 
[23] 



KINDLING 



Heinie. Well, if I ever see ye in here again, or 
in speakin* distance of Maggie, I won't stop to ask 
ye what yer talkin' about. . . . 
Steve. What '11 ye do? 

Heinie. I'll spoil yer stock and trade! Ye got 
that? Now, get out! 

Steve. As this is your shanty, ye gotta perfect 
right t' order me out, , 

[Sneeringly as he moves toward door. Heinie 
Xs L. below tub.] 
Ye show ye good senses to let it go at that. 

[As Steve goes up, Mbs. Bates places poker by 
stove.] 
Heinie. And don't ye ever come back ! 
Steve [At door]. We'll see about that when the 
time comes. 

[He goes out. 
Bates [Xs C.]. Steve won't come in again, 
I'll see to that! 

Heinie [To Bates. Xs below tub]. Do it! 
Ye're a good friend of our'n. Bates. Don't let 
him come in and spoil it. Any dog what's in the 
business he is. . . . 
Bates. Wait, Heinie. . . . he's my boy, 
Heinie. All right, we'll drop it! 
[M] 



KINDLING 



Bates. What ye comin' home at this time 
for? 

Heinie. [Xs down R, 

The Walkin' Delegate's jawin' with the Bosses. 

Bates. [Xs to tub. 

The stevedores goin' to be called out? 

Heinie. Looks that way. 

Bates. Aw, what a shame! 

Heinie. Rotten news for Maggie. 

Bates [Glancing apprehensively toward other 
room]. Ump. Yes. . . . Say, Heinie, I hear 
McKenzie wants a man to tend his stable. . . . 
It'll come in handy if you're laid off. I told Steve 
about it, but he wouldn't go. Why don't ye chase 
down before any one else does? 

Heinie [Cross up R]. I will! Thanks for the 
tip! 

Bates. That's all right. Hope ye get it. Ye'd 
better hurry. 

Heinie. No use telling Maggie I'm out of work 
till I know fer sure. 

[He goes out and downstairs. Bates Xs up 
to table up C. under which the cradle is con- 
cealed — looks thoughtfully at baby cap which 
she picks out of it. Maggie enters.] 
[25] 



KINDLING 



Bates 

[Drops cap back on cradle. Goes to her tenderly. 
Down L. C. 
Maggie, darlint, is it thrue? Aw, Maggie, Maggie. 
An' to think what I was say in* to ye a while ago. 

[Xs down L. 
What does Heinie say? 

Maggie. He don't know. 

Bates [R. of tub]. It's time ye tould him. 

Maggie [Xs X., still to L. of tub]. I don't 
dare. Heinie thinks like you do. A kid ain't got 
a chance down here. Up till a while ago, he used 
t' feel like I did. 

Bates. He'd uv welcomed it, eh? 

Maggie. We used to talk about it nights — 
how happy our home ud be with kids — somethin' 
to hold him and me together forever — somethin' 
to work fer. It ud be a real home, then, no matter 
where it was, or how poor it was. Then one day 
the health officer said somethin', and that started 
him thinkin'. Then he started readin' things up to 
find out fer himself. An' now he's fierce against it. 
He says bringin' kids into the world in places like 
this is worse than murder. Think of it, Bates, 
worse than murder. [Xs above tub, 

[26] 



KINDLING 



Bates. [Impatiently]. Ah! 

Maggie. I fought against believin' it. But now 
you say it's so. The doc says it's so, an' I can see it 
in that sick kid downstairs. [Breaking down.] Oh, 
it's awful! [Xs up L. 

Bates. Sure, it's a foine state of mind ye're get- 
tin' in. 

Maggie. Heinie'll be wild at me. 

Bates. Sure, he'll be kissin' ye till ye're smilin' 
an tickled to death. Tell him right out. If he's 
got any objections, he can be takin' ye away, he 
can. 

Maggie [Coming down C. R. of tub. Surprised], 
Take me away? 

Bates. Do ye think this is the only place of 
residence in the world? 

Maggie. What d'ye mean? 

Bates. What's the matter with Wyoming? 
Shure it's the paradise o' babies. Look at Steve. 
When Steve was a baby he used to sleep in the sage 
brush like a regular little Moses. 

Maggie [Vaguely — sitting in chair C, which 
she brings down]. Wyoming — it's a terrible way 
off, ain't it? Say, I bet it's a beautiful place 

Bates. It ain't keepin' any tourists away from 
[271 



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the Garden of Eden — but to my mind, it's got 
it on this place. 

Maggie [Rapturously]. It's all covered over 
with grass out there, ain't it? An' there's trees 
an' brooks an' lakes — an' ye can jest take ye lunch 
and go off on a picnic whenever ye want and lay 
around an' pick roses. . . . 

Bates. All the pickin' ye'll do at picnics'U be the 
shells off'n hard boiled eggs. There ain't no roses in 
Wyoming. 

Maggie [With a shade of disappointment]. Oh 

Bates. No, dearie, it's a hard, rugged country, 
an' ye got to scrap for a livin' jes' like ye do here — 
but ye got the color in yer cheek and the sparkle 
in yer eye to scrap with. An' that's where me bye 
Steve was born 

Maggie [Breathlessly], And he grew strong 
and husky! 

Bates. And the night he come into the world 
the thunder was crashin' among the peaks and the 
wind was shriekin' and rippin' board after boaixi 
off the house, and the cattle outside was a bellowin' 
— but above it all — loud and strong — came the 
howl o' me baby, and I thanked the good Lord fer it. 

For I knew he'd come into the world to last 

[28] 



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Maggie. Yes, yes! 

Bates. Like the rocks and the prairies 

and the mountains. . . . 

Maggie [Passionately]. Come into the world 
to last — that's what / want — that's what / want. 

Bates. And it's what's expected of ye. If ye 
bring a life into the world, ye got to start it right — 
it's yer everlastin' duty. 

Maggie. 

[Rises, Xsto above stove R. thoughtfully. 
My everlastin' duty. [Eagerly turning.] Say, d'ye 
think Heinie'd quit his job and go.'^ 

Bates. I can put yez next to a scheme to land 
yez both in Wyoming and set yez up fer a hundred 
dollars at the most. 

Maggie [Xs to Bates. Eagerly]. Ye can? 

Bates. Ever hear tell o' homesteadin' ? Well, 
there's certain land the Government ain't got no 
use fer, so it gives little pieces to the poor people, 
and tells them to go and live happy ever afther. 

Maggie. They give it to ye, to ownf 

Bates. Wait till ye see the land. 

Maggie. Then if we get a hundred, we can set 
up in Wyoming? 

Bates. That's the game. 
[29 1 



KINDLING 



Maggie. Heinle's got to do it. I'll help him — 
I'll work, too. Gee, think of it — livin' out there 
in the sunshine an' flowers. 
Bates. Fergit the flowers. 

Maggie. Heinie's got to do it. Tell him about 
it when he comes home to night, will ye.^ 

Bates. An' you'll be tellin' him about the other.? 
[Steve opens door and enters.] In the hallway 
behind Steve are Mr. Rowland and Mrs. 
Burke Smith, in the order named. 
Steve [Speaking as he enters^ winking at Mag- 
gie and Bates]. I sold these guys tickets to come in 
an' see the Morgue, d'ye mind? 

[Rowland enters, Xs down R. He is a man 
about forty, quietly but fashionably dressed, 
patronizing to all but Mrs. Burke Smith, 
to whom he dances obsequious attention.] 
Rowland [At doorway]. May we come in? 
Bates [At tub]. Ask Maggie. It's her place. 
Mrs. Burke Smith. 

[Enters — a woman of fifty, pompous and 
haughty, pushes forward and assumes the 
initiative. Xs down R.] 
Good morning, my good people. 

Maggie [Embarrassed. Up C.]. Good mornin'. 
[301 



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Bates [Very busy, washing]. Marnin*. 

Steve [At door up R. C. imitating side show 
spieler]. Folks, it's the juiciest show on the Board- 
walk. When ye've seen enough, step out by the 
door on the right, tell yer friends about it and come 
again. 

[All but Bates look horrified. She giggles. 
Steve exits laughing. Mrs. B. S. and 
Rowland turn to look at Steve.] 

Mrs. Burke Smith. I believe the fellow is drunk. 

Bates. Aw, go on, he's humorous. 

Mrs. Burke Smith [Turning to Rowland — 
sitting R. in rocking chair which Rowland has turned 
toward C.]. Well.? 

Rowland [Reading from memorandum book]. Let 
me see — No. 18. Oh ! This is Schultz and his wife. 

Mrs. Burke Smith. Oh, yes. I remember Alice 
mentioning them particularly. Which one of you 
is Maggie. 

Maggie. Me, ma'am. 

Mrs. Burke Smith. I'm glad to see you, Mag- 
gie. Mr. Rowland is taking me through the build- 
ing. My niece has interested me in the work 
down here. She speaks most highly of you and 
your husband. 

[31] 



KINDLING 



Maggie. Thanks, ma'am. [Alice enters. 

Alice. Oh, here you are, aunt. . . . Good 
morning, Maggie. [To Mrs. Burke Smith.] I 
didn't mean to miss you downstairs. 

Mrs. Burke Smith. We're getting on quite well. 

Rowland. A most remarkable chap showed us 
up. 

Mrs. Burke Smith [To Maggie]. I'm de- 
sirous of assisting those among you who show a 
disposition to better yourselves. 

Maggie [Undecided how to take it]. Yes'm. 

Mrs. Burke Smith. Of course, we realize that 
to a few of you assistance in the form of donations 
is humiliating. 

Alice [Touching her arm]. Auntie dear. 

Mrs. Burke Smith [To Maggie]. Your hus- 
band is working now? 

Maggie. Yes'm, he's a stevedore, down on the 
docks. 

Mrs. Burke Smith. Splendid! Does he drink? 

Maggie. Not to hurt. Jes' a little sometimes 
when he's tired. 

Mrs. Burke Smith. Really, you know, that's 
very intelligent. It's a positive pleasure to find 
these occasional examples of the poor emerging from 
[32 1 



KINDLING 



the thralldom of narrow thinking. [To Maggie.] I 
judge your husband reads a bit. 

Maggie. Up to Cooper Union most every night. 

Rowland [Unenthusiastically]. Oh! 

Mrs. Burke Smith. Make a note of reading 
matter. 

[Howland makes note.] 

Alice [Speaking to Mrs. Burke Smith aside]. 
Auntie, these people might be sensitive. . . . 

Mrs. Burke Smith. You insisted on my coming 
down here, didn't you? 

Alice. Yes, but . . . 

Mrs. Burke Smith. Then if I am to assist 
them, I must investigate in my own way. 

[Alice gives a little gesture of hopelessness 
and Xs up R. again.] 

Mrs. Burke Smith [Turns to Maggie]. My 
dear, your husband's desire for knowledge should 
be encouraged, but along beneficial lines. Much 
of our magazine reading is most sinister in 
effect. 

Maggie [In a fog]. What'm? 

Alice. Some of the stories he reads makes him 
sad. 

Maggie. He does get grouchy sometimes. 
[331 



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Mrs. Burke Smith. [To Maggie]. Have you 
any children.? 

Maggie. No'm. 

Mrs. Burke Smith. That's very sensible. 

Alice. Oh, auntie. 

Maggie [In a trembling voice]. That's what 
Heinie says. 

Mrs. Burke Smith. Your husband is quite 
right. Having children in your sphere is an eco- 
nomic error. [Maggie turns and weeps on Mrs. 
Bates' shoulder.] 

HowLAND. Evidently we have touched upon a 
sensitive point. [Bates puts her arms about Maggie.] 

Mrs. Burke Smith [To Maggie, a little irri- 
tably]. My dear, we all have our burdens to bear. 
Come now, you mustn't cry. 

Bates. She ain't crying. She's laughin'. [Whis- 
pering to Maggie as Heinie enters from the hall.] 
Dry up. Here's Dutch. 

Heinie [Eyes the visitors half angrily, half 
curiously, then nods]. Good morning. 

Howland. You are Schultz? I presume. 

Heinie. Well.? 

Maggie [Going to him]. Heinie, what ye home 
now fer — what's wrong? 

[34] 



KINDLING 



Heinie. [Looking at her keenly]. What's wrong 
with you? Ye been cry in' 

Maggie. No, I ain't. 

Heinie. Yes, ye have. 

HowLAND. We were discussing a rather painful 
topic. 

Heinie [Sharply]. Well, ye needn't. . . . 
she's happy jus' as she is. . . . 

Maggie [Intervening hurriedly]. Sure, I'm all 
right. What ye home from work fer? 

Heine. Strike. 

Maggie. Strike — are ye gonna lay off work? 

Heinie. For a while. 

Maggie. Oh, Heinie 

HowLAND [To Mrs. Burke Smith]. That 
means a stand off for the rent. [Xs up to Heinie.] 
I suppose nothing could induce you to return to 
work? 

[Alice Xs down R. back of Mrs. B. S. a^ How- 
land Xs C] 

Heinie. Say, I'm crazy about lay in' off 

HowLAND. You working men are merely the 
tools of demagogues — you are refusing to work 
at their command, and your wife here is the 
victim, 

[35] 



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Maggie [Interrupting]. Oh, that's all right. 
Strikes ain't nothin' fer us to tide over — we've 
done it before — only 

Heinie. Maggie, what's ailin' ye? 

Maggie. Nothin' — only we was savin' up so 
fast. We had twenty seven dollars in the bank — 
pretty soon we'd a had a hundred dollars. I was 
kind o — kind o' stuck on savin' a hundred, but 
now [Bravely attempts to smile,] 

Heinie [Tenderly]. Don't you fret, Maggie. 

Maggie [Smiling up at him], I ain't got no 
kick comin' — you know that. 

Howland [Turns to Heinie C.]. But what I 
would impress is — the futility — the folly of the 
whole business 

Heinie [Angrily]. Say, what d'ye think 



[He checks himself and turns away with a laugh of 

contempt.] Gee [Turns up with Maggie.] 

Bates. Let him tell ye, Dutch — he's the ori- 
ginal sure cure kid. 

Mrs. Burke Smith [Surveying Mrs. Bates 
haughtily]. Does this woman belong here? 

[Heinie and Maggie Xs. L. at hack, toward 
door L. 
Bates [L. Scrubbing in her best society manner], 
[36] 



KINDLING 



Introduce us, Dutch — we've been spakin' but 

we ain't met 

Rowland [C.]. Er — this is Mrs. Burke Smith. 
Bates [Brightening up]. Oh, ye're a Burke, are 
ye? [Getting very gracious.] Sure, now an' I 
like ye better fer that — I was a Burke too before 
I married Batsy. Tell us, d'ye iver hear from the 
ould counthry? 

[She offers to shake hands with Mrs. Burke 
Smith. Mrs. Burke Smith and How- 
land stand aghast. Heinie exits hurriedly 
into the other room, holding his hand over 
his mouth. Maggie catches Mrs. Bates 
hy dress and urges her hack to tub.] 
Maggie. Ye mustn't mind 'em, ma'am. Heinie 
feels bad about the strike, that's why he hadda leave 
the room. 

[A burst of laughter from the next room causes 
Maggie to hurriedly shut the door. Alice 
and HowLAND exchange glances, ill at ease. 
And Mrs. Bates ain't just herself neither. 

[Bates bristles up indignantly. 
Mrs. Burke Smith. It is quite apparent that you 
are blessed with finer perception than those others. 
[To Howland.] I feel it my duty to do something. 
[371 



KINDLING 



Rowland. Really ! [Xs up to window R, 

Mrs. Burke Smith [Motioning to Maggie]. 
One moment, my dear. . . 

[Bates takes wash tub up C. and sets it between 
table and cupboard.] 
[Turning to Maggie.] You do plain sewing? 
Maggie. Yes'm. 
Mrs. Burke Smith. Come a little closer. 

[Maggie approaches below bench. 
I'm going to let you come to my house to sew. 

Maggie [Hesitatingly]. Why 

Mrs. Burke Smith. You wish to work, don't you.^^ 
Maggie. Heinie never used to want me to work, 
but now he's layin' off, I guess maybe I better. I'll 
ask him. 

[She starts toward door L. 
Mrs. Burke Smith. Yes, do. [Rises.] We have 
other visits to make in the building. 

[Starts for door up R. Doctor Taylor bursts 
into room. Starts as in surprise at them.] 
Taylor. Why ... 

[Alice becomes confused. Mrs. Burke Smith 
eyes him coldly.] 
Bates [Throwing up her hands in mock sur- 
prise]. Gee whiz! 

[38] 



KINDLING 



Taylor. Why, how do you do, everybody? 
[Up C. L. of Mrs. Burke Smith. 
Quite a surprise to find you here. 

Mrs. Burke Smith [Dryly]. Quite! I can 
imagine ! 

Taylor. I've got a sick child upstairs. 

Mrs. Burke Smith [Frigidly]. Really? 

Taylor. So I dropped in here for some hot water. 

Mrs. Burke Smith. [Xs down B, C. 

I hope you obtained the hot water. 

Taylor [To Mrs. Bates]. I'd like it boiling, 
please. It wasn't half hot enough before. 

Bates [With a wink]. Lave it to me, docthor. 

[Gets tin pail from table above stove. She Xs 

to stove and pours some water into a small 

tin pail from tea kettle on floor above stove. 

Taylor [To Mrs. Burke Smith; down C. to 
L. of Burke Smith]. Your niece is becoming quite 
familiar with the work down here. 

Mrs. Burke Smith [Coldly]. So it seems. 

Taylor. It is quite a science, you know. It's 
great to think she's been able to interest you. I 
know she felt discouraged at first 

Mrs. Burke Smith. Really! 

Taylor. thought you looked on it all as a fad. 

[39] 



KINDLING 



Mrs. Burke Smith [Dryly]. I shouldn't call 
it that exactly. 

Taylor. What induced you to consider it seri- 
ously enough to come down? 

Mrs. Burke Smith. I thought she needed a chap- 
eron. [Xs up R. to Rowland at window. 
Taylor. Oh! 

Bates. [Xs to doctor C. 

Here ye are, docthor; bilin'. 

[She hands him the paiL Mrs. Bates Xs to 
wash bench L, back of Doctoe. 
Taylor [Smiling at Alice]. Good morning. 

[Xs up to Mrs. Burke Smith. 
Good morning. We hope you'll come down again- 
Mrs. Burke Smith [Turns with surprising 
graciousness]. Good morning, Doctor Taylor. 

[She extends to him her hand, from which the 
ghve is turned back. Taylor is about 
to take it, when she suddenly dips her finger 
into the pail of water which he is holding.] 
Just as I thought. Stone cold. 

Taylor [To Bates, reproachfully]. Mrs. Bates, 
how could you ! 

Bates [Looking at Mrs. Burke Smith]. I'd 
hate to say what chilled it. 
[40] 



KINDLING 



[Mrs. Burke Smith and Howland ei- 
change a look of disgust. Taylor exiU 
hurriedly bursting with laughter.] 
Mrs. Burke Smith [Quite angry, to Alice], 
You have seen the last of that young man, my 
dear. 
Alice. Yes, auntie. 

Mrs. Burke Smith [Curtly to Maggie. Mag- 
gie is down L. with Bates]. I pay five dollars a 
week. You take your meals at the house. You can 

come up whenever you're ready [To Alice, as 

she goes toward the door.] Come along! 

[She goes out, followed by Alice, downstairs; 

Rowland Xs up to door]. 

Howland [Pausing for a final word with Maggie] . 

I hope you will sieze the opportunity to profit by 

this uplift. [Howland exits and downstairs. 

Bates. It's a holdup 

[Maggie Xs R. to stove. 
Can ye beat the loikes of that? 

Maggie. What you mixin' in this fer? D'ye 
want me to lose the job? 

Bates. It's a foine illigint job she's offerin' ye — 
five dollars a week. The high-toned robber. 

Maggie. Just the same, I got t' have it, ain't I? 
[41] 



KIND LING 

Bate-s. And a lot more with it if ye're goin' to 
Wyoming. 

^L^GGiE. I'm gonna get a hundred dollars, I don't 
care how. 

Bates. It's yer duty to start the little thing 
proper — because it can't start itself. It's the way of 
beasts what's always gocwi parents — if ye need 
an%iLhin' fer yer young — take it. 

Maggie. Ye tell me to steal? 

Bates. Bless ye. no. Shave it off unnoticeable 
like. 

^Llggie. Do ye think I don't know nothin* about 
the Ten Commandments? 

Bates. Lookin' out fer yer own's followin' the 
rules of nature an' I bet the Lord made the rules of 
nature long before He made them Ten Command- 
ments. 

Maggie. Ye can talk and talk all ye like, but 
ye conscience tells ye yer wrong. Ye know it 
does. 

Bates. It's plain the loikes o' you ain't got the 
price of a conscience and a healthy baby too, so 
make up yer mind which you'll have. 

M.\GGIE. ^Tiy, I'd think about it till I died. 

I wouldn't dare look Heinie in the face L-1 

[42] 



KIXDLING 



sudden thought strikes her.] The Bible says, the 
sins o' the fathers is \'isited on the children — an* 
if I'm a thief 

Bates. Maybe ye can beat the thievin' instincts 
out o' the young one, but ye can't beat the health 
into him if he grow up around here. 

Maggie. Suppose I got caught? 

Bates. Ye won't. I'll be prayin' for ye night 
and day. 

Heinie [Enter from Room R.]. Well, have they 
beat it? I s'pose they was here offerin' charity. 

Bates. To thimselves. [She begins gathering up 
her wash]. 

Maggie [Anxiously]. Say, Heinie, is the strike 
apt to last long? 

Heinie. Now tell me what's wrong with ye? 

Maggie [Her agitation increases under his gaze]. 
Me — why — nothin'. 

Heinie. I know better; what was they say in* 
to her, Bates? 

Bates. The lady is goin' to give Maggie an 
uplift — ain't that nice? 

Maggie. She's offerin' me a job sewin' — I 
can earn somethin' while ye layin' off. 

Heinie. For how much? 
143 1 



KINDLING 



Maggie. Five a week 



Heinie {Sarcastically] . Fine — what's the hours ? 

Maggie. I just go to the house and stay all day — 

Heinie. Nothin' doin'. 

Maggie. But. Heinie, we need it. 

Heinie. Not that bad. She can try her charity 
slave drivin' on some one else. 

Maggie. But — Heinie 

Heinie. If ye want to work a while, and maybe 
ye'd better just a little, while I'm layin' off — I 
can get ye something easy around the factory for 
ten a week. 

Maggie. Yes — I know — but [She looks at 

Mrs. Bates]. 

Bates. [Up C] Maybe she'd ruther be takin' 
the other, Dutch 

Maggie. Yes, I — I 



Heinie [L.]. What? For half the money? 
Bates. Ye be forgittin' the uplift. Ye better 
think it over, it has foine possibilities. [She looks at 
Maggie and nods toward Heinie significantly.] 
So long. 

[Mrs. Bates exits upstair s* 

Heinie. Nix, nothin' doin' 

Maggie. You oughtn't to make 'em mad 

[44] 



KINDLING 



Heinie. I can look after this ranch without the 
help o' charity — who asked 'em in here? 

Maggie. Why, they're just people what likes 
comin' around doin' good. 

Heinie [Sneers]. Same's their children likes 

feedin' monkeys in the park The poverty and 

trouble o' me and my family ain't made for the 
pleasure of no man. They can go and do their 
[gets paper from mantel] playin' somewheres else. 

[Sits on stool below bench L. C. 

Maggie [Pleadingly]. They could do so much 
for us if ye'd only let them, and we need their help ; 
honest we need their help. 

[Xs L. to Heinie, hesitatingly. 
Say, Heinie, how'd ye like to pull out o' here? 

Heinie [In surprise]. Huh? 

Maggie. An' go to Wyoming? 

Heinie. Wyoming? 

Maggie [Sits on wash bench Z., eagerly]. A hun- 
dred dollars is all we need. The Government gives 
ye the land for nuthin', and it's nice and healthy out 
there. O' course, ye mustn't expect too much, 
there ain't no roses. But it's fine and healthy and 
there ain't no sickness, an' that's what yer always 
growlin' about. 

[45 1 



KINDLING 



Heinie. Me private car's in the repair shop — 
say — what got yer started on Wyoming? 

Maggie. Mrs. Bates was teUin' of it. Look at 
Steve, he was born out there. 

Heinie [In contempt]. That skunk? 

Maggie. Well, anyhow, he's husky and 

Heinie. Did ye think o' earnin' the price workin' 
for them ducks at five a week? 

Maggie. No! [Positively.] No, I don't want 
to work for them. [Rises.] You can take me down 
and get me that job at the factory. 

Heinie. Soon as the noon whistle blows we'll 
go right over. [Rises. Xs to her R.] Don't you 
bother, little girl, I know how ye feel 

Maggie. Dear old Heinie. 

Heinie. Some day — the minute I can get the 
price, I'll take ye away, anywheres ye like, so we 
can have a real home an' live like human bein's — 
then ye'll be happy, won't you? 

Maggie. Sure — but — but — that won't be for 
a long time — will it? 

Heinie. Maybe in a couple of years. 

Maggie. Oh! [After a pause.] But, Heinie, 
things ain't so bad here — ye just imagine 
it. 

[46] 



KINDLING 



Heinie. Do I? Well, the health officer says 
if folks live in dumps like this they get consump- 
tion. 

Maggie. We can't help it. 

Heinie [Sits on stool below tub]. You're right 
— it don't help — grumblin' only it makes me 
sore. 

Maggie. Well, maybe things could be better — 
but yer feelin's ain't changed, Heinie, have they? 
Heinie, lemme show ye some thin'. [She gets a book 
of Mother Goose rhymes from the bureau drawer up L, 

[Xs down to bench. 
Remember, it — the night you brought this home 

1 learned one of the rhymes an' you learned one. 

[Turning the page.] Here's the one I learned. 
[Turning another page.] And here's the one you 
learned. I bet ye forgot yours already. 

Heinie [Laughing, he tugs almost sheepishly 
at the top of his shoe]. Not on ye life. 

[He recites Bye Baby Bunting, hesitatingly, 
looking foolish.] 
Bye baby bunting, papa's gone a-hunting 
To get a little rabbit skin 
To wrap his baby buntin' in. [Sheepish laugh. 

Maggie. Oh, Heinie, you don't know how happy 
[47] 



KINDLING 



it all made me. I knew what it meant. It meant 
ye loved me. Heinle, are things different now? 

Heinie. Why, honey, the only difference is — I 
care more an' more for ye every day. 

Maggie. Heinie! 

Heinie. An' I feel just as I did the day I brought 
that kid book home. An' I always will. Don't 
ye ever forgit that. But I come to see, fixed as 
we are, down here, it's wrong. 

Maggie. Oh, but Heinie, look at the kids 
that are born down here. They're happy, ain't 
they? 

Heinie [Rises]. Yes, look at 'em! 

Maggie [Pleadingly] . Other people down here's 
satisfied with 'em. 

Heinie. Because they don't know what a terrible 
thing they're doin'. 

Maggie. Is it a terrible thing? Ain't it your 
crazy way of seein' things? 

Heinie. Do ye think when them ki.ds grow up 
to see their sickly half baked bodies don't give 'em 
no chance with other people they'll thank the fools 
what brought 'em into the world? Why, how'd 
yer like ter have a kid of yer own cursin' yer fer the 
very life you give it? 

[48] 



KINDLING 



Maggie [Rising from arm of wash bench]. No, 
no, don't say that. 

Heinie. I'd rather kill it when it was born than 
send it up against a game like that. 

Maggie [Shrilly]. Shut up, will ye ? Shut 
up 

Heinie [Suspiciously, approaching her, both down 
L.]. Say, what's ther matter with ye? 

Maggie [Trembling, evading his eye]. It's them 

awful things you say — ye oughtn't to say 'em, 

Heinie, ye oughtn't to say 'em, even if they are true. 

[Buries her head on his breast, sobbing. 

Heinie. That's all right, honey, don't ye cry. 
We'll pull out o' here yet. There, now, put on yer 
hat and coat and I'll take ye over to the factory. 

[Mrs. Bates enters up R. C, 

Bates. Your sassiety friends is returnin'. 

Heinie [Sulkily]. What do they want? 

Bates. Comin' back to see if Maggie wants the 
job. 

Heinie [Angrily]. Tell 'em no. 
[He goes into next room L. and slams door after him. 

Bates. Well? 

Maggie. I couldn't. 

Bates. God save us, child 

[49 1 



KINDLING 



Maggie. Oh, I was too scared. He said if one 
come he'll kill it 

Bates [Starts L.]. I'll talk to the pig-headed 
Dutchman. 

Maggie [Stopping her]. No, no, don't say a 
word — not now. 

Bates. What else can ye do? 

Maggie. I'll tell him — I'll —Oh, tell him to-mor- 
row. Say, maybe if I'd go up to the house and tell 
that woman about myself, maybe she'd help me. 

Bates [Skeptically]. Huh! [She hears Steve 
coming down stairs.] Here they come back. 

[Maggie goes slowly to chair down U. R. of tub 
and sits. Steve enters] 

Bates [Whispering] . Steve — go away ; Heinie*s 
here. 

Steve [Leaning against the door jamb, toB atbs]. 
Beat it upstairs, some one wants to see ye about 
their wash. [Bates exits and upstairs. 

Hurry up ! 

[Still standing by the closed door — speaking to Maggie 
in a low voice]. Where's ye husband ? 

Maggie [Nods toward the other room]. In there. 

Steve. Come here — [Maggie does not move.] 

Maggie. Well? 

[50] 



KINDLING 



Steve. Say, did I get the dope right? Ye goin' 
to work for them guys? 

Maggie. I don't know — why? 

Steve. Me mother was say in' ye was hard up 
f er money 



Maggie. I am - 
Steve. Bad? 
Maggie. Awful 



Steve. Yer know where ter git it, don't ye? 

Maggie. You can't tell me. 

Steve. I don't mean what you mean — listen 
here — that place yer goin' to work in is a cinch. 

Maggie. Aw cut that! 

Steve. I ain't askin' ye to steal. Come here — 
I can't holler at ye. Just get the dope on the place 
an' give it to me. 

Maggie. What for? 

Steve. I'd like to know what it looks like, that's 
all. Say, if it happens to look good you won't have 
no kick comin' 

Maggie. Say, who do you think you're talkin' 
to! 

Steve. Come here, ye little idiot — talk won't 
hurt ye — listen here; if ye tell me how pretty 
the house looks inside — after I take a look at it, 
[511 



KINDLING 



I might be able to slip ye a couple o' hundred. Ye 
might be able to use it. 

Maggie [Almost to herself]. A hundred's all I 
need. 

Steve [Laughing]. Sure, I wouldn't have ye 

feel bad about it. I tell ye [Crosses down. 

You slip a note under my pillow givin' me a plan of 
the house an' I'll treat ye right. 

[Bates is heard returning, coming down stairs. 
Cheese it, here's Mud. 

[He leans against the door jamb, grinning. 
Bates enters.] 
Bates [Speaking angrily to Steve], What d'ye 
mean by sendin' me chasin' upstairs when there's no 
one there? 

Steve. Ye needed the exercise, Mud. The kid 

doctor said he could love ye for ye money, if ye 

wasn't so fat [meaningly] — I'll be upstairs, Maggie. 

[Steve laughs at her with brutal good nature and 

exits.] 

Bates [Angrily]. What's he up to, Maggie? 

Maggie [Still sitting, as if about to tell her]. 

He comes down here [Then suddenly becomes 

evasive.] Oh, I don't know — he's drunk, I guess. He 
better keep out o' here, or Heinie'll beat him up. 
[52] 



KINDLING 



Bates. The young imp — bad cess to him. 

[Heinie enters from L. 
Heinie. Ain't ye ready yet? 
Maggie. Why, no, I — Oh, Heinie, I want to 
wait and tell the people I don't want the job. I 

got to tell 'em nice that I don't want it 

[Bates R. Heinie L. Maggie C 
Bates [R. C.]. Sure an' ye can write to 'em. 
Maggie. I got the address — she left me a card 
where to go fer medicine for the sick kid, 

[She reads the card which she takes from her 
shirtwaist.] 
Mrs. Burke Smith, her house is 1914 Fifth Avenue, 
and the business address is 62 Wall Street. 

Heinie [Looking up suddenly]. What's the last 
address? [He snatches the card from Mrs. Bates and 
reads it.] 62 Wall Street is her office, is it? Well, 

of all the brassy nerve 

Maggie. Now, what's ailin' ye 

[Heinie Xs to Maggie below wash bench. 

Bates Xs up C. to table C. Anxious 

for fear she has urged Maggie too 

strongly.] 

Heinie. It's a fine bunch of mankillin' saints 

ye'd like ter be bowin' and scrapin' to around here. 

[53 1 



KINDLING 



Say, if that guy shows his mug in here, I'll tear him 
to a pulp. And I'll bounce the old woman out 
on her neck — I mean it. [Derisively.] Say, they're 
good to ye, ain't they? 

Maggie [Defiantly]. Yes. 

Heenie. They're crazy to pull ye out o' this 
rat hole and see ye live like a human bein', ain't 
they? 

Maggie. Yes. 

Heinie. They*re eatin* their hearts out 'cause 
we ain't livin' in gold palaces on Fifth Avenue, and 
when ye get through kissin' the ground they walk 
on they're goin' to fix ye up fine and dandy, ain't 
they? 

Maggie [Blindly]. Yes! Yes! Yes! 

Heinie. That's what you think, but Fll put 
ye wise. Do ye know who owns this rat hole 
ye live in? Do ye know who pulls down rent 
for block after block o' dumps like this. Do 
ye know who sidesteps fire laws and tenement 
laws — makes ye breathe dirt, who'd send yer 
kids coughin' and spittin' to hell if ye dared to 
have any? 

Maggie [Aghast]. What d'ye mean? 

Heinie. I mean that angel of charity on the 
[54] 



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stairs — that Mrs. Burke Smith of 62 Wall 
Street ! 

Maggie [A strange hardening on her face — 
speaking quietly]. Say, that's on the level? That 
woman owns this house? 

Heinie. The whole block pays her blood money 
so she can come down here in her glad rags and dia- 
monds an' chuck it at us in charity. 

Maggie [Half to herself — lost in thought]. Gee! 
Heinie. Now are ye wise to the deal you're 
gettin'? 

[After waiting for her to say more. Maggie 
in deep thought, her face gradually harden- 
ing. After watching her curiously for a 
moment.] 
Come on, let's fergit it and go to the factory. [He 
opens the door and stands waiting.] Ain't ye comin'? 
Git on yer things. [Comes toward Maggie. Maggie, 
absorbed in her own thoughts, makes no move.] 
Maggie. Gimme that card. 

[She takes card from him. 
Heinie. [To Maggie]. What's got into ye? 

[Down C. 
Maggie [A stubborn expression on her face]. Goin' 
to take the job, that's all. 

[55] 



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Heinie. After all I jus' told ye? 
Maggie. Yep. 

Heinie. Don't believe me, eh? 
Maggie. Yep. 

Heinie. Then what's ailin' ye? 
Maggie. I'm jus' goin', that's all. Can if I 
want, can't I? 

Heinie [Losing temper completely]. Sure, ye can. 
Maggie. All right. 

Heinie [Xs L.]. Go anywhere ye like. Go on 
up to that bunch, and git played for a sucker. Maybe 
ye'll come back with some kind of sense banged into 
ye. I'm tired of talkin' to ye. 

[He rushes into room L., in a temper, slam^ 
ming the door after him. Bates follows 
Maggie up to door up R., after watching 
her nervously.] 
Maggie. Lend me a nickel for carfare. 

[Pause in which Maggie slips on her jacket up 
R. Bates fumbles in her pocket, takes out 
her purse and gives Maggie a coin. Puts 
coin in her pocket.] Thanks, so long! 
[She goes out into the landing and calls up- 
stairs] 
So long, Steve! 

[561 



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Steve. 

[After a pause. Steve is heard coming down 
a step or two.] 
What's that? 

Maggie. I said "So long" — I'm gonna work for 
them people. 

[She goes down the stairs. 



Curtain. 



[57 



ACT II 



ACT II 

Scene: Same scene as Act 1. 
Time : Two weeks later. 

The curtain rises on an empty stage. Wash boiler 
has been emptied and placed behind stove — wash 
tub is of — wash bench is up by window R. A 
kitchen table stands where wash bench stood down 
L. C. with chair either side of it. Tea kettle is 
on the stove, also pot of boiling potatoes, also pot of 
boiling cofee, loaf of bread in bread box on table up 
C, bottle of milk on fire escape, package of cooked 
liver of stage L. 

There is a knock at the hall door, then another knock — 
Rafferty opens door cautiously and steps into the 
room. He crosses it stealthily, gives it a hasty 
inspection, then goes into the next room L., returns 
almost immediately. He hears some one coming up 
the stairs, he looks through stairway window and 
discovers it is Steve, so he ceases his examination 
cmd stands in up R. corner of room. In a moment 

fen 



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Steve comes up the stairs and enters. He is 
slightly intoxicated and has an unlighted cigar in 
his mouth. He crosses room and looks in door L., 
starts back to hall and faces Rafferty, who has 
come down C. 
Note: The following scene should be played slowly 
and deliberately. 

Steve [Startled into a look of suspicion at see- 
ing 'Raffibrty]. Oh! [Quickly recovering himself — 
crossing close to Rafferty with an air of bravado.] 
Well, see who's here. 

Rafferty [Smilingly sardonically]. Surprised? 

Steve [Mumbling]. Thought me mother was 
here. [A little defiantly under Rafferty's gaze.] 
What you doin' here? 

Rafferty. Oh, just blew in to see my friend 
Schultz. 

Steve [Half believing]. Friend o' yours — huh? 

Rafferty [After Steve eyes him a while with 
covert glances]. Sure — what else do ye suppose I'd 
come up here for? [With a sharp glance.] Any idea? 

Steve [Stares at him a moment^ then begins to 
smile insolently]. Sure I know. 

Rafferty. What for? 

[62] 



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Steve. Ye come all the way upstairs jest to gimme 
a light. [Rafferty gives him light.] Ye're a nice 
little fella. 

Rafferty [As he gets whijf of the smoke]. What's 
this — Africanos? 

Steve [With bravado]. Twenty -five straight. 
[Taking cigar from his pocket and handing it to Raf- 
ferty.] Have one.'* 

Rafferty [Studying the cigar]. Ain't we living 
high nowadays? 

Steve. I ain't afraid to spend money. 

[Xs down L. C, 

Rafferty [Dryly]. Sure, and ye ain't afraid 
to get money; come easy, go easy, eh Steve.? 

Steve [Stopped by Rafferty 's reply]. You 
got the idea — almost. 

Rafferty. 

[Carelessly — Xs below table to chair L. of it. 
See ye ain't been workin' down to the dance hall 
lately. [Sits.] 

Steve. Who said I ain't? 

[Xs to R. of table L. C. 

Rafferty. I didn't see ye there last night. 

Steve [Suspiciously]. What kind of a con is 
that? You wasn't there last night. 
[63] 



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Rafferty. I know I wasn't. I was on the 
corner of Central Park West and 87th Street — 
[Glances at Steve out of the corner of his eye to see 
the ej^ect. Steve is just about to sit but stands again] 
— about eleven-thirty. [Lights cigar.] 

Steve [Betrays a slight start by halting his cigar 
half way to his lipsy then — speaking easily. Sits R. 
of table]. That so? Well, don't feel bad. It was 
dark and nobody could see ye. 

Rafferty [Whittles a match]. Guess that's why 
nobody saw me cross the Park on Fifth Avenue 
about eight. [He watches Steve keenly to see how 
he takes this.] 

Steve [Imperturbably]. Maybe . . . and 
maybe that's why ye didn't see me sittin' in the 
Brighton from five-thirty up to that time — that 
seems to be what's worrying you. 

Rafferty. Oh, I saw you all right. [After a 
few puffs of his cigar.] Say, what the hell does a 
fella that can't hit a spot ball stand around a pool 
table for two hours for? That was the rankest play 
to git noticed I ever looked at. 

Steve. Well, I was noticed at five-thirty wasn't 
I? Well, I never git up before three in the after- 
noon. Takes me a couple of hours to git dressed, 
[64 1 



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git breakfast and git to Harlem. So now nursey 
knows just where little baby was all the time. 

Rafferty. But yesterday baby couldn't sleep 
and got up at noon. It worried nursey. 

Steve. Oh — ye was takin' that much notice, 
was ye.'^ Well, now I'm gonna tell ye somethin' 
to make ye feel bad. Some o' you wise guys thought 
Haggerty was playin' the New Orleans ponies in 
the back of his saloon, and ye had a nice little raid 
all framed up for one o'clock — didn't ye? 

Rafferty [Smilingly]. I heard about it. 

Steve. Well, them smart Alecs come rushing back 
through the bar an' there was two doors [laughing 
gleefully]. Sure enough the boobs goes in the wrong 
door. 

Rafferty [With amusement]. An' somebody 
turned the key on 'em. 

Steve [With a wink of confidence]. Neat, huh? 
Well, that guy with the key was — [pause and satis- 
fied smirk] — baby. 

Rafferty [Seeming to enjoy it]. Bully for 
you. [Laughs lightly.] I hear there was a ripe 
guy in there with whiskers [puff] — from Indiana. 

Steve. Hear about him? Well, after the place 
got pinched I couldn't lose him. He wanted to 
[65 1 



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hand me his roll, 'fraid they'd take it for evidence. 
Well, I lights out, and this guy clings to me all the 
way up Seventh Avenue, so I begins to think I 
kin git him up to Harlem sittin' in a nice little poker 
game. 

Rafferty [Sharply]. But instead ye lost him 
in the subway crowd at two-thirty. 

Steve [Mystified hut guarded]. How the hell 
do you know? 

Rafferty. Well, that guy with the whiskers was 
nursey. So you see she's worryin' about where 
you were for three hours till you showed up in 
Harlem. 

Steve. There's a picture puzzle for ye. Find 
six saloons with — Stevie inside between Harlem and 
Houston Street. 

Rafferty. [Rising Xs R. below table. 

So that's the best you can give me, is it? Well, I'll 
try. 

[Mrs. Bates coming downstairs — appears 
in the doorway. She has a shawl over her 
head and carries a small basket for bundles. 

Bates [Rafferty turns to see who it is]. Oh, 
Steve! [Bates stops in doorway, surprised at 
seeing Rafferty.] Ah, there you are. 
[66 1 



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Steve [Still seated at the table, his back toward 
her]. Huh! 

Bates. I'm goin' to the grocery. 

Steve [Without looking up]. Well, go ahead. 

Bates. I'm needin' some change. 

Steve [Irritably, rises, Xs L. below table]. 
Can't ye see I'm busy? 

Rafferty. I won't wait. 

[Rafferty goes toward door. 

Bates. [Entering L. of Rafferty. 

Ye're wantin' to see somebody.^ 

Rafferty [Laughing]. Oh, that's all right. 
[He goes out and downstairs, laughing as he goes. 

Bates. Who is that, Steve .^ 

Steve. [Xs. R. above table. 

Oh, that's a loose-mouthed guy named Bill Rafferty. 

Bates [Startled]. Rafferty! He's a plain clothes 
cop, ain't he? 

Steve [Angrily, looks through window stairs]. 
He's a bum imitation of one. 

Bates [Alarmed]. What's he doin' here? 

Steve. [Xs down C. irritable and restless. 

Come in to see Dutch. 

Bates. What's a plain clothes man botherin' 
Dutch about? 

[67] 



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Steve. [Xs. L. door down L. 

Well, how do I know — that*s his business. 

Bates. Ye*re sure it isn't you he*s after? 

Steve [Sarcastically y down L.]. Sure — by ap- 
pointment. Here in Dutch's place. 

Bates. Ye seemed talking awful serious about 
somethin'. 

[Steve does not answer, but runs up and opens 
door, up R. — looking downstairs.] 
What's the matter, Steve? I can see by yer manner 
ye're scared. 

Steve. [Slams door angrily, Xs down R. 

Quit yer gassin', can't ye? Ye're enough to make 
any one crazy with yer questionin'. 

Bates. You bin doin' somethin'? 

Steve. I tell ye nobody's got nothin' on me. 
Now shut up. [As Taylor is seen coming up the 
stairs and looks in window.] Cheese it — somebody's 
comin'. [Doctor Taylor enters.] 

Taylor. [Xs down to stove. 

Good afternoon, Mrs. Bates. Saw you had a fire 
in here. Don't mind if I warm my fingers, do you? 
[He warms his hands over the stove.] 

Bates. Are ye on the way to see the sick child, 
doctor? 

[68] 



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Taylor. How is he to-day? 
Bates [C.]. He's always better when yer friend 
Miss Alice is lookin' after him. 

Taylor [With studied innocence Xs C.to Bates]. 
That's so — this is her day down here, isn't it? — 
Thursday. 

[Steve moves down R. to stove restlessly — 
strikes match on stave, lights cigarette.] 
Bates [With a dry smile]. Maybe that's why 
he come two hours earlier than usual. 
Taylor. 

[Who has been laughing at Bates' last remark, 
turns and nods to Steve. Steve moves 
up R.] 
How are you? 

[Steve answers with a grunt, goes out of the room 
and up the stairs. Doctor Xs to stove R. 
Bates [L. C, sighs. Sits R. of table L. C.]. 
Oh, dear. 

Taylor [R. nodding his head after Steve]. 
Anything wrong? 

Bates. Was there iver a toime when there wasn't 
somethin' wrong? 

Taylor. How's Maggie getting on at Burke 
Smith's? 

[69] 



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Bates. Why, not so good I guess. She wasn't 
able to go to work to-day. 

Taylor. "What's the trouble.? 
Bates. Faith, she's worked to death. 

[Doctor Xs to stove. 
I never saw a swell job yet there wasn't a bug in it. 
[Notices Taylor poking the fire.] Oh, doctor dear, 
be gentle with that coal. 

[Starts R. toward him 
Taylor. Eh? 

Bates. Ye know ye can't jab at that in the free 
and easy way ye jab yer patients. 

[Xs to L. C. 
We'd like to have it last longer. 

[Alice enters. 
Alice [Shaking Taylor's hand]. Oh! you are 

here already, are you? 

[Down C. 

Bates [Mockingly taking her tone]. Oh! Such 
a world of surprises. 

Taylor [To Alice]. Thought I had better get 
down here before you had my patient entirely cured. 
How is the kid? 

Alice. It's asleep now. You mustn't go up there 
yet awhile — you're not in a hurry, are you? [Xs to 
stove helow Ralph. After Mrs. Bates speaks.] 
[701 



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Bates [Answering for TayIjOb]. Oh, not a little 
bit. [Picking up her basket from table.] But I'll 
be goin' about me errands. [Nudging Taylor.] 
Shure, if the baby will help ye out by goin' to 
sleep, it's up to me to help ye out, too — I'll see 
ye later. 
[She goes out and doivnstairs. Alice is fixing fire 

Taylor [Indicating Bates]. Nice, cheery party. 
This would be a sad place with her off the premises — 
[Smiling at Alice as she turns to him] — except on 
Thursdays. 

Alice. You'd better add that. 

Taylor. How are things at the house now? Have 
they quieted down since yesterday? 

Alice. Not a bit. Auntie was having a long 
talk to a man from the Police Station when I left 

— I do wish she would let the matter drop. 
Taylor. Having a yeggman prowling about the 

house picking up jewelry is a pretty serious business 

— get much? 

Alice [Depreciatingly]. The man was frightened 
away before it really became serious. Why, Auntie 
would never have missed the things if she did not 
know the house had been robbed. 

Taylor. Aren't you making rather light of it? 
[71] 



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Alice [Very seriously]. I'm trying to, Ralph. 
[Xs L. below Taylok to table. 
I want it dropped. 

Taylor [Surprised]. Dropped! Oh, come now. 

[Xs C. after her. 
That's overdoing our humanitarian purpose just 
a little. 

Alice. I don't mean to do that, Ralph, but I 
know that if this matter is pushed any further the 
punishment will fall on innocent shoulders. 

Taylor. Whose? 

Alice. Maggie's. 

[Sits R of table L. 

Taylor [Becoming thoughtful]. Oh — I see 

Alice. She took occasion to leave us yesterday, 
just about the time this thing happened — well, 
every one instantly concluded that she had a hand 
in it. 

Taylor. French leave .?^ 

Alice. You know Maggie. She's a strange girl 
— she wasn't happy at auntie's — her husband op- 
posed her working there. It wasn't surprising to 
have her leave without saying a word, especially as 
she had received her wages that morning — it's 
just an unfortunate coincidence. 
[721 



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Taylor [Skeptically]. Just the same, it looks 
black for Maggie. 

Alice [Reproachfully]. Ralph, how can you 
say that? [Turns away from him]. 

[Xs back of Alice and sits on R. end of table, 

Taylor. Well, see the way the thing was worked 
out — a wash basin is broken in your aunt's house 
— somebody telephones for the plumber — pretty 
soon a chap comes in — says he is the plumber, 
robs the house and makes his escape just as the 
real plumber arrives. That couldn't possibly be 
done without an inside confederate. Who broke the 
wash basin? 

Alice [Reluctantly]. Maggie. 

Taylor. There you are. 

Alice [Firmly]. Ralph, that girl is innocent. 

Taylor. I'd like to believe it. 

Alice. You must, Ralph — facts or no facts — 
you must. 

Taylor [With deep admiration^ on table]. What 
a staunch friend you are — by jove — it's worth 
being in trouble just to have you stand by one. 

Alice [Smiling at him]. Is it? Then you stand 
by me and we will stand by Maggie together. 

Taylor [Grasping her hand]. Done! 
[73] 



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Alice [Sits. Very earnestly]. And don't think 
it's a blind, girlish sentiment on my part — I know 
it's the right thing to do, because whatever the real 
facts are — at heart Maggie is good — she may 
have had some battle to fight, some problem to face 
that was too big for her, but she's done her level best 
to do right — I know that. 

Taylor [Gives an appreciative grunt]. Does 
Maggie know she is under suspicion? 

Alice. I don't think so. I haven't seen her 
since. 

Taylor [Looking at her musingly, taking her 
hand]. Bill, you are a big woman. 

Alice [Smiling]. You haven't called me *'BiH" 
since we were kiddies. 

Taylor [Absently]. Funny how it slipped out. 
You know I sometimes wonder. . . . 

Alice. Wonder what.? 

Taylor. Well, I have floated around here as 
some kind of a model-chap with a high sounding 
humanitarian object. 

Alice. I hope you have. 

Taylor. But somehow all my feelings for hu- 
manity seem to concentrate into one little emo- 
tional, over-charged capsule on Thursdays. 
[74] 



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Alice. [Laughing at hiniy Xs R. 

And you don't know what on earth to do with the 
capsule — what a pity ! 

Taylor [Realizing he is thwarted]. Now if you 
don't mind my starting again, perhaps I could frame 
this up more intelligently. 

Alice [Patting him friendly on the arm]. I'll 
let you frame it up some other time, Ralph. 

Taylor. You mean that.^* 

[Following her quickly to C. 

Alice [Turns to stop him]. But down here we 
must give all our time to these poor people. We 
have our own world in which to think of ourselves. 

Taylor. But down here is where I found you — 
I mean the woman you really are — why, I knew you 
up town — just as I know other women — no bet- 
ter, but when I saw you here [Taking her hand] 

Come on, Bill. Let's brighten up this old shack 
with a radiance of our own. 

Alice . C an we, Ralph ? 

Taylor. You stand by folks in trouble, don't 
you? Well, I'm in trouble now, the worst kind — 
stand pat. 

Alice [Her hands on his shoulders — she whis- 
pers to him]. I love you. [Letting him kiss her.] 
[75 1 



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Taylor. Bill ! [Embrace.] 

Alice. But I had no idea of letting you be so 
irresistible in work hours. 

[Doctor starts to embrace her again. Steve 

comes running down the stairs, carrying an old 

satchel containing silverware, in a black cloth 

bag. Alice drawing away from Taylor.] 

Alice. Be careful — some one is coming. 

[Xs to C. 

[Steve hurries downstairs. He crosses the 

landing and starts to descend the lower flight. 

Taylor. It's only Steve — he's going downstairs. 

[Starts to embrace her again. 

Voice [Outside]. Miss Alice! 

[She stops him again. He Xs to L. C. 
Alice [Opening door — in hall — calling up- 
stairs]. Yes! 

Voice [Upstairs]. The baby's woke, miss — 
he's crying for ye. 

Alice. Come, Ralph, and see if you don't 
think the little chap looks better. 
Ralph. All right. 

[They exit and upstairs. Steve, after Alice 
and Taylor are out of sight, darts back 
across the landing, and comes hurriedly into 
[761 



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the room. He carries a small, cheap satchel, 
places it on the table and opens it, takes out 
a cloth bag containing silverware and goes 
into the next room. Returns immediately 
without the bag. He is barely in the roomwhen 
Maggie enters from downstairs. Steve is 
a bit disconcerted at meeting her, but gains his 
composure immediately. Maggie ei/e^ Steve 
sullenly.] 
Steve. Jest come upstairs? 
Maggie. Yes. [Puts package of liver on table up C] 
Steve. See a tall guy in a blue suit and a red 
moustache waitin' around anywheres? 

Maggie [Disinterestedly]. I don't know — 
[Then as if half remembering.] Yes, I guess so — if 
Heinie catches ye in here, ye know what'll happen 
to ye — what ye doin' aroun' here anyhow? 

Steve. Sort of wonderin' how ye panned out. 
Lichtenstein give ye what I said he oughta on the 
brooch? 

Maggie. He gimme a hundred and thirteen dol- 
lars. 

Steve. An' you shoutin' yer head off coz I 
made ye take it fer ye share. Ye see? — I knowed 
what it was worth. [Xs Z. 

[771 



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Maggie. I wasn't kickin' about that. 

Steve [Above table L. C.]. I know — ye didn't 

trust me [Injured, turns face front.] Nobody 

ever trusts me. 

Maggie. I told ye Miss Alice was the one friend 
I got in the world — I didn't want nothin' stole 
she had. 

Steve [Sarcastically]. Nothin' to it at all. I 
can break into a house an' rob it in six minutes, an' 
play favorites while I'm doin' it. Gee, youse women 
are a scream. 

Maggie. Anyhow ye might a gimme somethin' 
that wasn't hers for my share. 

[Takes of hat and coat and hangs them on hooks 
up R. Puts on apron.] 

Steve. [Xs. R. 

Ye couldn't a soaked nothin' else and got away 
with it, ye little idiot — but I notice when it comes 
down to brass tacks, yer after the money all 
right. 

Maggie. I hadda. ... I hadda. There 
wasn't nothin' else for it. It meant everything in 
the world to me. I hadda — that's all. 

Steve. Aw, quit yer snivellin'. Take it from 
me if ye wanta keep out o' jail ye wanta sack that 
[78] 



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long face o' yours. People is gettin' to think things 
around here. 

Maggie. [Xs C. to Steve in a panic. 

Steve. . . . 

Steve. Soft pedal. You're all right. I told ye 
I was takin' all the risk, didn't I? 

Maggie. Yes. 

Steve. Well, I am. So I'm blowin' out o' 
town. Nobody '11 notice you if ye keep ye head shut. 

Maggie [Frightened]. Oh, Steve, if they git 
ye. . . . 

Steve [Sneeringly and menacingly]. Oh! so that's 
why ye're scared for me, was it? Well, don't ye 
fret — but if they git anythin' out o' ye — if ye 
squeal — I'll fix ye good and plenty — don't forget 
I got a little note ye left under me pillow. [Takes 
note from his pocket]. If I go up the river, you go, 
too — see.'^ 

[Bates enters from downstairs. Steve Xs L. 
and taking cigar stump he left on table in 
first scene, lights it at door, down Z.] 

Bates [Putting down her bundle basket and 
gasping for breath]. Thank the Lord, that errand's 
done. Steve, every toime I come by I see ye here. 

Steve [Leaning carelessly against door jamb 
[791 



KINDLING 



downL.]. Me and Maggie was jest gassin' friendly. 
Wasn't we Maggie? 
Bates. 

[Xs to above table L.; seeing the bag on the 
table y looks at Steve.] What's me beg 
doin' here.f^ 

[Maggie gets platter from cupboard up L. 
Steve. Ye know, Mud, I was all fixed to go t' 
Europe, but there ain't a bunk left on the Lusitania, 
so take t' bag away. 

[Maggie Xs to table down R. above stove with 
liver and platter. 
Bates [Looking in the bag]. There's nothin' in 
it. What divilment are ye up to anyhow.? 

Steve. Ye bin saying fer so long that me next 
suit of panjamas would be furnished by the State, 
I didn't see no use in takin' any. 

Bates. Steve — talk serious — are ye goin' 
away? [Maggie at stove preparing to fry liver, 

Steve [In mock confidence]. Now this is dead on 
the level . . . no joshin'? I am goin' to New- 
port and rent meself out as a little brother of the 
rich. 

Bates [Anxiously]. Steve, if ye're in some kind 
of trouble and have to git out, won't ye tell me 
[80] 



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about it? Don't keep me worry in'; tell me where 
ye're goin'. 

Steve. [Xs below table to C. 

I don't know where I'm goin'. But don't worry. 
If a telegram comes collect, don't accept it, it's 
just a signal I'm in good health — see — so long. 
[Goes out on the landing and down a couple 
of steps. Suddenly darts back into the room.] 
Say! There's a hopeful guy down there waitin' for 
some money I owe 'm. 

[Xs to window up R. Opens window and 
steps out on fire-escape.] 
If he's waitin' there to-morrow mornin', chase down 
and feed him some breakfast. 

[He waves his hand to them, pulls down the 
window and goes down the fire-escape.] 
Maggie [Startled]. Why did he do that? 
Bates. 

[Irritably y with anxiety Xs to table for bag. 
Faith, I don't know. He's up to somethin', I can 
tell by his manner. Whenever he jokes that way, 
it's to hide his bein' scared — it's some kind of 
trouble he's in. 

[Knock at the door. 
Who's there? 

[81] 



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[Alice enters. 

Alice [In doorway]. May I come in? [To 
Maggie]. How do you do, Maggie? 

Maggie [Nervously at stove]. How d' do miss? 

Alice. [Down L. C. 

I thought you might be in now. You Httle runaway, 
what made you leave us Uke that? 

Maggie. Why — why I was tired; I didn't think 
you'd mind. 

Alice [Sweetly]. Of course, no one minded, but 
we couldn't imagine where you had gone. You'll 
come back to us when you feel rested, won't you? 
I should be dreadfully disappointed if you didn't. 
When I came home late in the afternoon, I waited 
in my room expecting you would be in for our 
usual chat, and when you didn't come I was posi- 
tively lonesome, I have become so used to them. 

Maggie. Thank ye for missin' me. 

Alice. So I have come down to have a good chat 
with you here. 

Maggie [Frightened]. What about? 

Alice. Oh, everything. 

[Xs R. nearer Maggie. 
I felt you were not exactly happy at our house. 
Why didn't you confide in me? 
[82] 



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Maggie. Why, there wasn't nothing to confide. 

Alice. Haven't we agreed to be friends and help 
each other .^ Won't you tell me what the trouble is.? 

Maggie. Oh, I want to tell ye — [Then looking 
away.] But 

Alice. But what? 

Maggie. I can't — that's all. 

Alice. I understand, dear, you have some prob- 
lem that you must solve alone, we all have those 
and I know you'll do the best you can. 

Maggie. Oh, I wanta be good — I mean the 
way you call good — but sometimes there's some- 
thin' you gotta do that's greater. 

Alice. Greater than doing right? 

Maggie. That's the word — right — that's what 
I'm drivin' at — bein' right's greater 'n bein' good 
— and it's different. It's easy enough bein' good — 
'cause everybody agrees about it, but in doin' right, 
there's nothin' to back you up but yer own sense 
[With a sob.] Oh, it's awful hard. 

Alice. Whatever your problem is I'm glad you 
decided to solve it by doing right. 

Maggie [Gratefully]. Somehow, I knew if it was 
up to you you'd decide my way too. It's thinkin' 
that keeps me goin' now. 

[83] 



KINDLING 



Alice. And you'll always turn to me in case — 

well, if anything should happen. If you should 

ever need a friend, promise that I shall be the 

first one that you will come to; will you do that? 

Maggie. Oh, Miss Alice. 

Alice. No matter what the trouble is, come to 

me [Rising.] Well I must go now. Good-bye, 

dear. Don't forget. 

[She goes toward the door. Maggie rises, Xs 
up to door up R. C. after her. Heinie enters. 
On seeing Alice he stands, cap in hand, 
waiting for her to speak. R. of him, gra- 
ciously.] 
How do you do, Mr. Schultz? 

Heinie [With cool civility]. How are ye, 
mam? 

Alice. Maggie and I have just been having 
a talk. 

Heinie. [Xs down L. of table. 

Another one o' them talks where she comes out 
cry in' huh? 

Alice. Oh, I hope not. 

[Maggie Xs up to table C. To Maggie. 
You'll be more cheerful now, won't you? 
Maggie. Oh, yes'm. 

[84] 



KINDLING 



Heinie. [Down L. 

Well, she ain't workin' for your crowd now, so I 
guess ye hadn't better bother about it. 

Maggie. [Up R. C. L. of Alice. 

Oh, Heinie. 

[To Alice.] He don't mean that, miss — sure he 
don't. 

Alice. I know, dear. It's all right. Good-bye. 

[Exit. 
Maggie. Heinie, you oughtn't to said that. 

[Xs to stove. 
Heinie. Come now, don't bother about them, 
we're through with that bunch for good. Say, I've 
got some bully good news for ye. 

Maggie. Yes 

Heinie. The strike's called off. 
Maggie [Only half interested]. That so? 
Heinie. And somethin' better than that. Work 
on the docks is going to be rushed; that means I 
can earn enough to take you out to Wyoming in less 
than a month. 

Maggie. In less than a month? 

[With a half-suppressed cry as she realizes 
the futility of all she has done, she stands 
staring straight ahead.] 
[85 1 



KINDLING 



Heinie. Well — ye don't seem awful tickled 
to hear it. 

Maggie [Repeating as if dazed]. You can raise 
the money in less than a month? 

Heinie [Taking oj^ his coat]. Yes. Easy. 
Workin* night shifts, and Sundays — that's double 
pay. 

Maggie [In agony]. Why didn't you tell me 
before 

Heinie. Tell ye — why didn't I jest find out fer 
myself.? 

Maggie [Looking away to hide her tears]. Yes, 
o' course. 

[Heinie goes out in the landing to the sink, 
rolling up his sleeves, humming cheerfully.] 

Heinie [Coming back into room]. Where's the 
soap, Maggie? 

Maggie. I brought it in here — Steve's always 
swipin' it. 

Heinie [Getting it]. Oh, Steve likes soap, does 
he? I guess it'll take more than soap to get his 
hands clean. [Going out to the sink again.] Poor 
old Steve, ye know I feel so good our own troubles 
are over I could almost feel sorry for him. 

[Maggie busies herself about the stove. In a 



KINDLING 



moment Heinie comes in and dries his 

hands on the roller toively up R. Coming 

down.] 

No more frettin' now fer us, eh Maggie? We're 

goin' to have money in the bank, ain't we? Oh, 

say, here's somethin' good. 

[Maggie at stove, starts to look in oven. 
Do ye know Lichtenstein, the pawn broker? 

Maggie [Terrified, shuts oven door]. Why d'ye 
ask me that? 

Heinie. Well, he said ye came into his shop 
last night and hocked a diamond brooch. 

Maggie [With a dry throat]. Me, hock a diamond? 
Heinie. Yes, for a hundred and thirteen dollars. 
Say — what do ye know about that? 

[J^s L. He laughs uproariously. 

Maggie [Mumbling]. I think he's crazy. 

Heinie. Yes, he seed you on the street with me 

once. [Up R. combing hair. 

I guess the party must have looked somethin' like 

ye. Well, I told him we wasn't soakin' the family 

jools just yet. [Putting on coat, 

Maggie [With a long breath of relief]. I'm 

goin' to give ye yer supper now — you must be 

awfully hungry. [Xs L, C. 

[87] 



KINDLING 



Heinie [Xs to her]. Well, what ye got that's 
good? Ye know there ain't no harm in loosenin' 
up a bit now that things are gonna come easy. 

[There is a knock on the door. Heinie opens 
it. Rafferty is standing in the hall. Mag- 
gie gets red table-cloth from cupboard and 
puts it on the table.] 
Heinie. Hello, Rafferty! how's everything? 

[Xs down R. above chair before stove. 
Rafferty. 

[In doorwayt looking past Heinie at Maggie, 
who is L. setting table.] 
Pretty fine; how are you? 

Heinie [Notices that Rafferty is staring at 
Maggie]. Oh, this is my wife. 

Rafferty [Nods bluntly]. How are ye, mam? 
[INIaggie nods.] Ye ain't seen that fella Steve 
around here, have ye? 

Heinie [Grimly]. No, sir. He don't come in 
here — he knows what he'll get. 

Rafferty [With another keen look at Maggie]. 
Oh ! I see — an' ye ain't seen him anywhere round 
to-day? 
Heinie. Nope. 

Rafferty [To Maggie]. Haveyou, Mrs. Schultz? 
[88] 



KINDLING 



Maggie. Why, yes. [Rattled.] Er — no, I don't 
know. 

Heinie. [Laughing]. Well, which is it? 

Maggie. No, I ain't seen 'm. 

Rafferty [Drily]. Oh! 

Heinie. Nothin' doin' I guess. Bill. 

Rafferty. Thanks. I'll take a look upstairs. 
[With another keen glance at Maggie.] Good after- 
noon, mam. 
[Rafferty goes upstairs and Heinie shuts the door, 

Maggie [Nervous, bringing two cups and saucers 
from cupboard to table]. Heinie, who is that man? 

Heinie [Sits in chair before fire, reads paper]. 
That's Bill Rafferty, a plain clothes cop. [Maggie 
is unable to control a start of terror.] Wonder what 
that fella Steve has been up to now. 

Maggie [At table with feverish agitation]. Heinie, 
ye know ye got me all worked up again about goin' 
to Wyoming — now ye seein' yer way clear. 

Heinie [Burying himself in a newspaper]. That so? 

Maggie [Hesitatingly]. I'd like to go sooner 
if we could. 

Heinie. Can't ye wait three or four weeks? 
[Looking up and noticing her agitation.] What's ailin' 
ye? 



KINDLING 



Maggie. [Hysterically Xs C. 

Oh, I hate this place — I hate it — I can't stand it. 

Heinie [Puzzled, rising, and Xing to her C] 
I know ye don't Uke it, but ye been here long enough 
to git used to it — an' I'm doin' the best I can. 

Maggie. I know ye are, Heinie, but 

Heinie. There — ye mustn't let yerself go 
that way. [Consoling her.] Aw, ye're all fidgetty 
and tired out. If ye hadn't quit that Burke Smith 
woman you'd 'a' been down and out soon. Now 
jest keep a lookin' ahead — the time'U go before 
ye know it. You sit down there an' rest and I'll 
set the table. 

[He pushes her into the chair he has just oc-^ 
cupied before stove R. and starts setting the 
table, getting things from cupboard up L. C] 

Maggie [After waiting to get up courage to 
speak]. But, Heinie — s'pose we can go — s'pose 
we can — will ye.^ 

Heinie. I'll do anythin' in the world I can for 
ye, but I couldn't get the money any sooner to 
save my life. 

Maggie. I know ye can't, Heinie — but — jest 
supposen I could fix it, would ye be willin' to start 
to-night? 

[90] 





KINDLING 


Heinie 


[Setting table, looking at her in amazement 


You! 




Maggie. 


Would ye? There's a train at eleven. 


Heinie. 


You fix it? 


Maggie 


[Rising]. Yes — I can git the money. 


Heinie 


[Continues to set table]. You can get 


the money 


— you? 



Maggie. Yes, I — I got it. 

Heinie [Stops suddenly]. What! 

Maggie. A hundred. 

Heinie. You got 

Maggie [Indicating dress pocket]. Right here 
— Now will ye start to-night? There's a train goes 
at eleven. 

Heinie. [Xs to her. 



Wait a minute — where'd ye get that? 






Maggie. 


I borrowed it. 






Heinie. 


Who from? 






Maggie. 


Miss Alice. 






Heinie. 


The lady what jest left? 






Maggie. 


Yes. 






Heinie. 


Why — she didn't say nothin' 




- 


Maggie 


[Hastily]. She didn't want nothin' 


said 


about it. 


She's a good friend o' mine — 


she lent 


me the money. 







191] 



KINDLING 



Heinie She lent ye a hundred dollars? What 
could ye give her for security? 

[Coming down R. of table. 

Maggie. I didn't give her nothin'. She jest 
took my word we'd pay it back soon as we 
could. 

Heinie. Well, how about the interest? 

Maggie. Oh, there wasn't nothin' said about 
interest. She just took my word for it — we'd pay 
her back whenever we could. 

Heinie. Hold on there. Well, I'll have to see 
her an' find out. We can't take charity. 

Maggie [Stopping him, frightened]. No, no. Ye 
mustn't see her, Heinie. 

Heinie. Why not? 

Maggie. She don't want no one else to know. 
It's a secret between me an' her. 

Heinie. Well — but — I 

Maggie. I'll write her to-morrow about the inter 
est. 

Heinie. Say, she's dead white though. 

Maggie [Very earnestly]. She is, Heinie — she's 
the best woman in the world. I'd die fer her. 
Now, Heinie, can't we get out to-night? I've went 
and borrowed the money. 

[92] 



KINDLING 



Heinie [Indulgently]. Well, if we can't get out 
to-night we'll go jus' as soon as we can. 

Maggie. No, I want to go to-night. I'm goin' 
in now and start packin'. 

[Starts for door down L. 

Heinie. Wait — I got to straighten this out 
with her before I start 

Maggie [Halted at door, toward Heinie again.] 
But, Heinie — you can't, it's a secret 

Heinie. But she might 'a' knowed I'd ask about 
that hundred 

Maggie. [Above table L, 

But don't ye understand 

Heinie. Yes — I understand — she don't want 
the story passed around. 

Maggie. No. She don't want it spoke of even 
to her and if ye go an' do it, I'm never goin' to 
speak to ye again. 

Heinie. Well, there's no use gettin' mad about 
it — tell me what was the real reason 

Maggie. But ain't I tellin' ye. . . . 

Heinie. Are ye sure she lent ye this money — 
it ain't no charity? 

Maggie. Oh, Heinie! 

Heinie. Well, I'm goin' ter find out. 
[93] 



KINDLING 



[He goes out on hall landing. 

Heinie [Calling upstairs]. Oh, Miss Alice 

Alice's Voice [From upper stairway]. Yes. 
Heinie. Could I see ye a minute please? When 
ye come downstairs? 

[Maggie stands transfixed with fear, back of 
table L.] 
Alice. Certainly; we're on our way down now. 

[Alice appears in doorway. 
Heinie. Could I speak to ye alone please? 
Alice [A little surprised]. Why — yes. [Speak- 
ing off.] Ralph, wait for me downstairs? 

[She comes into the room down R. 
Heinie. [Somewhat embarrassed, comes down C. 
First — I want to say — I'm sorry for bein' gruff 
a while ago. 

Alice. Oh, I knew you were disturbed about 
something. 

Heinie. No, it wasn't that, mam, I was sizin' 
ye up with the rest o' that bunch that comes down 
here. I didn't know ye was different — but Maggie's 
just been tellin' me. 

Alice. That I am always to be her friend — 
I hope you'll let me be a friend of yours, too, Mr. 
Schultz. 

[94] 



KINDLING 



Heinie. Why, yes, of course. But Maggie's just 
been tellin' me the kind of friend ye are — and the 
big white thing ye done fer us, and I wanted to see ye 
and thank ye. 

Alice. But I haven't been able to do much yet 

except to offer my friendship 

[She glances at Maggie and notices her strange 

appearance^ Maggie looking a piteous 

appeal.] 

I know; Maggie said you didn't want it spoke of — 

that's why I asked to see ye alone — but I wanted 

to thank ye, and ask ye about the interest 

Alice [Puzzled]. Interest.? 

Heinie. Yes, it wasn't just clear how much it is. 

Alice. What interest? 

Heinie. Why the interest on the loan — on the 

hundred [As Alice looks still more puzzled.] 

Ye meant it to be a regular business loan 

[Glancing toward Maggie.] Maggie said. [He catches 
a look between Maggie and Alice, a dawning light 
on Alice's part, appeal and terror on Maggie's.] 

Alice [Looking away]. Why, yes — certainly 
— of course, Mr. Schultz. 

Heinie [Looking at them both]. Why — what's 
wrong? 

[95] 



KINDLING 



Alice [Who has fully recovered herself]. You 
see, I don't know much about such things, so I 
decided to leave that entirely to you. 

Heinie. Would 10 per cent, be about right? 

Alice. Yes, I should think so. 

Heinie [Who is still puzzled, after a moments 
thought]. You're sure that's all right mam? 

Alice. Absolutely. 

Heinie. Say, it's an awful big thing ye're doin* 
fer us, miss. Yer givin' us a chance ter go out to 
Wyoming and start life all over again and live like 
a man and woman should — that means a lot — 
especially to Maggie, and ye let us have the money 
in a way we ain't ashamed to take it. Of course 
I can't thank ye right, like I should. God bless ye 
is all I can say — an' I give ye my word of honor 
to send it back to ye, interest and all, out o' the 
first money we make. 

Alice [Xs to him and offers her hand. 

I am confident that you will, Mr. Schultz. [Gives 
him her hand.] I hope you will have great success 
in your new life in Wyoming. 

[Turning to Maggie, Xs below table; Heinie 
Xs above y Alice to above chair R.] 
Remember, dear, you are going far away to a new 
[96] 



KINDLING 



country, to start life anew; above all things remember 
that — to start life anew. And if anything happens 
— if you should ever need me you'll let me know, 
youVe promised me that — haven't you? [Maggie 
nods, scarcely able to keep from sobbing.] 

Maggie. Thank ye. 

Alice. Good-bye, Maggie. [Xs up. 

Good-bye Mr. Schultz. [Goes out. 

Heinie. That's funny. . . . [Leaning on 
back of chair down R.] 

Maggie. What ye mean? 

Heinie. Oh — nothing. . . . 

Maggie. [Xs to stove. Heinie moves C. 

Will ye sit down now and eat yer supper? 

Heinie. What's ye got that's good? [Maggie 
lifts piece of liver from frying pan with fork.] Liver, eh? 
Say, we'll have real beef in Wyoming, won't we? 
That is if I can ever hit a cow — maybe I won't 
be a greenhorn. 

Maggie. Oh, ye'll learn quick enough. 

Heinie. [Xs and sits R. of table. 

Yes — just the same I bet them cowboys has a gay 
time with me. 

Maggie. Mrs. Bates can put ye on to all the 
ropes. 

[97 1 



KINDLING 



Heinie. That's right, she can; let's have her 
down. [Xs up to hall. 

[Maggie Xs up after him and stands with him 
in doorway.] 
Oh, Batesey, are ye eatin'? 

Bates' Voice [Upstairs]. Sometimes 

Heinie. Well, come on down and eat with 
us. 

[Xs to bring down chair up L. to above table. 
Maggie back to stove.] 

Bates [Coming downstairs. In doorway]. Well, 
what's all this.^ Some one send ye a basket? 

Heinie. Somethin' better 'an that; we're goin' 
out to Wyoming and we want ye to tell us all the 
angles. I don't want them cowboys out there to 
think I'm a rube. [Bates comes into room. 

Bates [Sits above table]. So ye're really goin', 
are ye? I hears the strike was off. How soon 
can ye raise the money? 

Heinie [Sits R. of table]. We got it already. 

Bates. No? 

Heinie. Yes, Maggie got a loan of a hundred 
dollars from that young woman. [Bates throws 
a sharp look at Maggie, who looks away.] 

Bates. Ain't she a darlint? I knew she'd do it. 
[98] 



KINDLING 



Heinie. You knew it. 

Bates. Yes, she was talkin' to me upstairs. 

Heinie. Why, Maggie said it was a secret. 

Bates \Realizing her slip]. Shure it was. She 
told me the secrete 

[Maggie puts boiled potatoes in howl. At stove.] 

Heinie. Well, anyhow we're gettin' out o' here, 
and we got Maggie to thank f er it. I couldn't 'a' done 
it in a thousand years. 

Bates. No, I guess you couldn't. 

Maggie [To table with potatoes]. Have a pota- 
toe? [To Bates.] 

Heinie. Put another cup on fer Batesey, Maggie. 
pViAGGiE gets milk from fire-escape R. and 
coffee from stove.] 

Maggie. She can have mine, we only got two. 

Heinie. Well, use that silver mug the woman gave 

ye. 

[He goes to shelf in cupboard up L. C. and takes 

down a little silver haby^s mug containing 

baby ribbon and four little gold baby pins. 

Maggie Xs and sits L. of table.] 

Ye know I'm sorry she give ye that. That's plain 

charity. 

Maggie. I wish you'd let up on that. 
[991 



KINDLING 



Heinie. Well, maybe I am hip on it, but 

Bates. Ye'll use the mug all the same. 

Heinie. Just the same; it's the first time I've 
touched it. [Seeing something inside of it.] What's 
all this junk in here? [Pulls out pink baby ribbon^ 
places on table. Empties gold pins in palm of hand,] 
Hello — little gold pins — four of 'em. Did the 
lady give ye them, too? 

Maggie. Yes. 

Heinie. I'd think ye'd be ashamed to take 
things like that. 

Maggie. They ain't worth nothin'. 

Heinie. Just the same I think ye'd better send 
all that junk back. 

Bates. Shure, an' offend the lady after she's made 
the loan. Lord, Dutch is Dutch and ye can't kill it. 

Heinie. Well, anyhow I don't like it. 

Bates. Oh, for heaven's sake, if ye're goin' away, 
talk about that and quit yer squabblin'. 

Heinie. All right, Batesey, tell us about Wyom- 
ing. Don't ye wish ye was goin' back there to 
see the hills and the trees and the grass — — 

Bates. Now don't start on that again. There 
ain't no roses in Wyoming. 

Heinie. Well, anyhow, we're goin' now for sure. 
[100] 



KINDLING 



Bates. Oh, begorra, touch wood, touch wood 
quick. An' stop yer braggin' — if ye was fallin' 
from a balloon and started talkin' that way somethin' 
would stop ye. 

Heinie. Well, we got the money and that's 
what does the business — ain't it? 

Maggie. Heinie, what are we loaf in' around 
here for? It's five o'clock now an' I want to git 
packed. Suppose ye go an' buy the tickets now and 
while you're gone Bates an' me will do the packin'. 

Heinie. Well, of all the crazy stunts ^ -why don't 
ye wait till to-morrow anyhow. 

Bates [Breaking out]. Oh, Heinie, humor the 
child : can't ye see she's nervous? 

Heinie. All right, I'll go git the tickets and if 
you can git ready — we'll beat it. 

Maggie. Yes, and hurry back, will ye, Heinie? 
So's we can go an' wait down at the station. 

Heinie. Wait at the station? — what's the mat- 
ter with ye? Ye said the train didn't start before 
eleven o'clock to-night. 

Bates. Trains have been missed before, ain't 
they? I suppose ye'U go flyin' down the last minute 
in a taxicab. 

Heinie. Gee, you women! What do ye want to 
[101] 



KINDLING 



set around the station all night fer? What d*ye 
think we are, a couple of dago emi-grants? 

Maggie. Now, Heinie, you go on. 

Heinie [Rising], All right, hon, I'll get right 
back with the tickets. And if we got time on our 
hands, we can amuse ourselves walkin' around seein' 
the sights. Say, maybe I'll take ye to see a movin' 
picture show; how's that? 

Maggie [Dancing ivith delight]. Oh, Heinie, will 
ye? We'll be ready an' waitin' when ye git back. 
Bates, you pull them bags out of the other room. 
Oh, Heinie, you're so good, you're so good. [Throws 
arms about Heinie's neck.] 

[Bates exits door L. 

Heinie [Laughing]. Now hold on here, don't 
get too excited or ye won't finish up nothin'. 

Maggie. Don't ye worry about me. [Sits at 
table, starts to eat]. 

Heinie. Oh, say, have ye got the stuff that takes 
us? 

Maggie. The money? 

Heinie. Yes. 

Maggie [Takes money from her dress and hands 
it to him] . Here ye are — now will ye hurry ? [Butters 
bread.] 

[102] 



KINDLING 



Heinie. Hurry! Ye bet I will. 

[Goes to L., takes hat off hook. After counting 
bills at door up R. Coming down.] 
Now Maggie, tell us about this money. 

Maggie. What.? 

Heinie. How'd you come by it.? 

Maggie. How'd I come by it? 

Heinie. Yes ! 

Maggie. I just told ye 

Heinie. That lady give you a hundred and 
thirteen dollars? 

Maggie. Oh, I give ye thirteen dollars too much, 
didn't 1? 

Heinie. Yes, how's that? 

Maggie [Stammering]. Why — why — ye see 
I had thirteen dollars extra. 

Heinie. Ye had? Where did ye git it? 

Maggie. I bin workin', ain't I? 

Heinie. Ye didn't have it yesterday. 

Maggie. Yes, I had, but I didn't tell ye. 

Heinie. Why not? 

Maggie. Why — I — I was savin' for Wyoming 

— I was afraid ye'd laugh at me so [Starts 

to drink again. She falters under his cold look of 
disbelief.] 

[103] 



KINDLING 



Heinie. That's pretty thin. 

Maggie [Becoming panic stricken]. What ye 
mean? 

Heinie. Now don't make me ask questions.^ 

Maggie. What's the matter with ye? What 
ye drivin' at? 

Heinie. I can't help puttin' two and two together. 
Now don't stall, explain. 

Maggie. Explain what? 

Heinie. How this come to a hundred and thir- 
teen dollars. 

Maggie [Still sitting]. Why, I did — I 

Heinie. A hundred and thirteen dollars — the 
exact amount o' money Lichtenstein handed a 
woman that looked like you, that hocked a dimon 
brooch. 

Maggie [Rising angrily]. Why, ye crazy thing! 
Ye aint' sayin' that woman was me, are ye? 

Heinie. No, I'm jest puttin' it up to you 

Maggie. Yes, just because some woman gets a 
hundred and thirteen dollars on a dimon pin and 
Lichtenstein says she looks like me, I can't help 
that, can I? 

[Pushes chair R. of table out of the way and 
moves to R. of table]. 
[ 104 1 



KINDLING 



[Bates enters with telescope basket^ etc. 
Bates. For the land's sake, what's wrong now? 
[Places bags on floor up L. 
Maggie. Some woman gets a hundred and thir- 
teen dollars from Lichtenstein 

Heinie. An' looked like you 

Maggie. He don't even know me. 
Bates [To Heinie]. Can't ye see it's just a 
coincidence? 

Heinie. All right. Now you get out a minute> 
Bates, I want to talk to Maggie alone. 

[Bates exits. Heinie Xs L. and closes doof 
after Bates. Maggie goes to R. in fear, 
Heinie Xs R. to Maggie.] 
Now we'll drop Lichtenstein; we'll say ye saved the 
thirteen. Now tell us about the hundred. 

Maggie. I did — I told you that Miss Alice 

Heinie. Aw, wait a minute! When I thanked 
her for that hundred, she didn't know what I was 
talkin' about. She done the best she could to shield 
ye, but she didn't give ye that money. 

Maggie. That's right, don't use no sense about 
it — just make up ye mind, bull-headed, I'm lyin' 
to ye. 

Heinie. Well, just because things don't strike me 
[105] 



KINDLING 



as bein' right, I oughtn't to talk to you like that. 
Now, Maggie, git on yer hat. 

Maggie. What fer? 

Heinie. Ye*re comin' with me. 

Maggie. What ye mean? Where? 

Heinie. To Lichtenstein's. 

Maggie [Quickly]. No, I won't. 

Heinie. Do ye hear, put on yer hat ! 

Maggie. I won't be made a fool of like that. 

Heinie [His mind satisfied]. That's enough for 
me. 

[Throwing down his cap. Starts toward Mag- 
gie. Savagely.] 
Now you tell me about that 

Maggie [In fear]. Now ye needn't start in 
again • — I — I didn't tell ye the thing just as it 
was. 

Heinie. No, I guess not. [Putting her q^.] Now 
tell us about the brooch. 

Maggie. Well, it was me that hocked it. Miss 
Alice gimme it. It belonged to her. 

Heinie. Go on. 

Maggie. Well, she wanted to lend me the money 
to go to Wyoming — she didn't happen to have it 
on hand, so she let me have the brooch to raise it on. 
[106] 



KINDLING 



[As he stares at her coldly and unbelievingly.] Well, 
that's clear, ain't it? 

Heinie [Breaking out angrily]. Yes, it's perfectly 
clear. It's lies, lies, lies from start to finish. [Grip- 
ping her by the arms savagely]. But I'll get the 
truth out o' ye before I'm through. 

Maggie. Heinie, don't hurt me. 

Heinie [Menacingly]. Will ye tell me? 

Maggie [Sniveling]. Ye's a nice one, ain't ye? 
Ye're tryin' to make me say I took somethin' when 
I didn't ! She give me the brooch, I tell ye. 

Heinie [Releasing her]. Aw, women of her kind 
don't do things like that. If she hadn't 'a' had the 
money she'd a got it some other way than through 
a hock shop . . . if ye wasn't so tangled up in 
lies ye'd see how funny the whole thing sounds. 
She didn't give ye that brooch. You stole it, 
didn't ye? [Shaking her.] Didn't ye? 

Maggie. Not exactly. 

Heinie. Not exactly. 

Maggie. I'd like to tell ye the truth, but — 
ye make it so hard fer me. 

Heinie [Releasing his grip and speaking calmly]. 
Go on, then. 

Maggie. I — I wouldn't steal from Miss Alice 
[107] 



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— she's the best friend I got — if ye knew, ye'd 
understand. 

Heinie. Aw, don't beat about the bush. 

Maggie. Well, yesterday afternoon Mrs. Burke 
Smith's house got robbed. 

Heinie. Robbed, was it? 

Maggie. Yes, by a fake plumber. A wash basin 
got busted — they telephoned for a man to come 
and fix it — by and by this fella come. He started 
workin' in the room next to the one I was sewin' 
in, and then he sneaks downstairs and was robbin' 
the house when the doorbell rings and the real 
plumber shows up. Well, he comes rushin' through 
the room, an' tells me what he is an'saysif I'Uhelphim 
get out he'll divide with me. I dunno why I did it, 
but I hid him till the coast was clear and he made his 
getaway. I dunno why I did it, it all happened so 
sudden — but that's just how it was, Heinie. 

Heinie. An' ye didn't know this fake plumber 
before? 

Maggie. No, Heinie, no. 

Heinie. Never saw him before in yer life? 

Maggie. No, never, o' course not. 

Heinie. An' how about that sink, didn'tyou bust it? 

Maggie. Why, it was cracked already — a bottle 
[108] 



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fell off the shelf and busted through. [With a sickly 
smile of fear and desperation^. An old yellow bottle. 
I dunno what was in it. 

Heinie. So! You bust a sink by accident, an' 
this guy happens along just at the right time, robs the 
house, divides with ye, and nothin' was fixed up 
beforehand. So that's why ye couldn't be coaxed 
away from that place. Why, ye'd stayed there and 
worked yerself sick. Ye was fixin' a deal with a thief, 
meetin' him time and again. How do I know there 
wasn't somethin' more back of it. Somethin' more 
than just robbin' the house. 

Maggie [Shrilly]. Don't you dare 

Heinie. Well, I take that back. Now tell me, 
who was the fella? Who was the man? 

Maggie [Bowed head\ Steve. . . . 

Heinie. Steve ! [He pauses until he masters him- 
self, then speaks to her quietly] . Ye got the ticket f er 
the pin? [She takes it from her pocket and hands it to 
him]. It belongs to the young lady? 

Maggie [Head still bowed and averted]. Yes. 

Heinie. An' she didn't even let on when she 
found it out. Oh! [Bitterly.] She pitied ye, I 
guess — she pitied both of us. [After struggling for 
composure.] The brooch all Steve gave ye? 
[109] 



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Maggie. Yes. 

Heinie. How about that silver mug, them gold 
pins and things? 

Maggie. Oh, they was just knockin' about. No- 
body wanted it. It didn't matter. 

Heinie. Didn't matter? My God, what's got 
into ye anyway? 

Maggie [Turns toward Heinie]. You put the 
idea into my head. 

Heinie [Stunned]. Me! 

Maggie. Yes ! — you showed me the game we 
was up against! I was satisfied with things as 
they was till then. You think I'm just a weak fool 
that Steve got to help him. Well, now, I'll tell 
ye somethin'. Ye wrong! 

Heinie [Puzzled by her defiance]. Just what's ye 
drivin' at? 

Maggie. I mean that I finally woke up to what 
I had comin' to me. Them people owned our home, 
they owned us, and if I dared to bring a life into 
the world they owned that, too. Well, they went 
too far, so I went up there and took what I needed — 
what was mine — I had a right to, I tell ye. 

Heinie. Right? 

Maggie. Yes, a right — to my share o' life, 
[110] 



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just as they have, just as any animal has. I didn't 
ask for comfort, I didn't ask for happiness; that's 
fer their kind uptown — that's the law, but there's 
some things they've got to let me have; me — and 
the lowest animal livin'; you're a man, ain't ye? and 
you're goin' to have food and drink. Ye got a 
right to live and ye'U steal an' murder to do it. 
Well, I'm a woman and God give me a greater right 
even than that. He give me the power to give life 

— an' there's no want o' my body or soul cries out so 
loud. It will be satisfied, my greatest right o' all — 
then them people come down here an' warn me, warn 
me that if I dared to bring a life into the world it'd 
be smothered out — burned up like so much kindlin', 
and for what, their comfort, their pleasure; think of it 

— I'm a thief, I'm rotten, and in their eyes I lowered 
myself; well, just let 'em think so — in my own eyes I 
raised myself way above 'em, way £ar above 'em. 

Heinie 

[Pick up speech quickly here to kill applause]. 

Well, how about this — [Taking baby ribbon from 
table] . Junk? Ye didn't swipe that to get yer needs 
of life, did ye? Ye wasn't buy in' yer passage to 
Wyoming with six yards o' that, was ye? No, ye 
took it because ye was a natural born thief. 

[Ill] 



KINDLING 



Maggie. Ye don't understand 

[No break in Heinie's speech — Maggie going 
R. and ejaculates]. 
Heinie. a thief, I tell you, and couldn't help 
yourself. Ye'll take stuff like that — junk ye got no 
use for — just because ye can't keep yer hands off 
it — [Waving ribbon in her face]. Will ye tell me 
why ye steal baby ribbon, baby pins — and baby 

mu [Maggie bowed head under denunciation, 

raises eyes to Heinie at last ''baby."] 

[In sudden enlightenment he stops and falls back 
a step, his hands across his brows as she 
stands before him, trembling.] 

My God — my God 

[Heinie keeps gaze on Maggie, who bows head in 
shame. His voice husky with awe and reverence. 
Why didn't ye tell me, Maggie — why didn't ye 
tell me.^ 

Maggie [Piteous whimper. Turning away from him] . 
I — I was too scared. Ye said if one come ye'd kill it. 
Heinie [Bitterly, voice breaking]. God bless ye, 
little girl. I love ye for it. 

[Maggie totters into his arms C. He takes her 
sobbing in his arms — comforts her]. 
Curtain. 
[112] 



ACT III 



ACT III 

Time : Forty minutes later. 

The same. Evening. The lamp is lighted 
on dresser up L. The gas in hallway is 
lighted. 
Scene : Dishes are removed from table and placed 
in dishpan on table R., above stove — 
baby ribbon is in cradle under table 
up C. 
Discovered: Heinie is standing up L. with book 
in hand; Maggie is up R. by window. 
Maggie. [Xs to table up C. 

Look, Heinie, I ain't showed you the cradle yet. 
[Pulls out cradle from under the table. There is a 
knock at the door. Heinie and Maggie are both 
startled.] 
Heinie. Who's there? 

[Maggie goes toward rocker R. Heinie to 

above rocker. Sort of shielding Maggie 

from view of Rafferty. The door opens 

and Rafferty lounges in doorway. The 

[115] 



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manner of both Heinie and Maggie be- 
comes strange and on the defensive.] 
Rafferty [Good humoredly]. Stayin* in to- 
night, huh? 
Heinie. Yes. Come in? 
Rafferty. No; jes' stopped to say hello. 
Heinie. Glad to have ye! 

[There is a strange, awTcward pause in which 
'Raffbrty eyes him furtively and keenly ^ his 
glance finally travelling to the window of 
the fire-escape — his manner becoming easy 
again as he addresses them.] 
Rafferty. [Coming down C. 

Hear the strike's off. 

Heinie. Start work to-morrow. 
Rafferty. That so? [Pause.] Too bad it wasn't 
fcjooner. [Pause. Throwing a quick glance at him.] 
Must got down pretty low, huh? 

Heinie, Oh, me and Maggie had enough to see 
us through. 

Rafferty [Thoughtfully]. Ye did, eh? That's 
more than lots of 'em had. 

Heinie. We'd set some money aside. 
Rafferty. Oh, I see. That's a good idea. 
[There is another awkward pause.] 
[116 1 



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Heinie. Find your man? 

Rafferty. Who — Steve? 

Heinie. Yes. You was huntin' fer him, wasn't 
you? 

Rafferty. He ain't the best friend you got, is he? 

Heinie. Not a bit of it 

Rafferty. He's a pretty fresh guy, but, believe 
me, when I put him in the tank he stays to get his 
hair cut. 

Maggie [From chair]. Then ye ain't see him yet? 

Rafferty [Xs down to see her]. No, Have you? 

Maggie. No. 

Rafferty. He's left the building. [Watching 
her closely for the effect of his words.] And he didn't 
do it by the front door, neither. 

Maggie [Faintly]. How d'ye suppose ye came 
to miss him? 

Rafferty [Sourly]. Maybe them fire-escapes is 
no good fer fire, but they're good to fool a guy like 
me — jes' once, that's all ! 

Heinie. Think he beat it that way? 

Rafferty. I got a hunch. 

Heinie. Well, if he's out o' the building it won't 
be so easy to find him. 

Rafferty. That's right. Well [Ominously.] 

[117] 



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I'll have to be satisfied with what I can get for the 
present. But I won't go to sleep on the fire-escape 
again. That's a cinch! [Shifts his position as 
if about to go.] Well 

Heinie. Why don't you set down? 

Rafferty. No, I guess I'll be wanderin*. Good- 
night. 

[He saunters down the stairs. Heinie goes over 
and shuts the door, then begins to walk the 
room with troubled thought.] 

Maggie [After watching for a while nervously]. 
What ye thinkin' about? 

Heinie. Huh? Why, jes' figurin'. 

Maggie. Figurin' what? 

Heinie [Trying to brighten up]. It'll take just 
twenty-eight days workin' double time to earn the 
money. 

Maggie [Not satisfied]. What else was you 
thinkin' about? 

Heinie. Why — nothin' else. Why? 

Maggie. Yes you was. 

Heinie [Trying to speak easily]. Well, I was 
thinkin' I was glad Steve was out o' the way, bad 
as I want to see him sent up. Now there's no danger 
of his talkin'. 

[118] 



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Maggie [Her anxiety increasing]. D'ye think 
every thin'U be all right now that Steve's gone? 

Heinie. Sure everythin'll be all right — that 
is, as soon as we give the brooch back to the young 
lady. [Trying to change the subject. Above stove.] 
That's a good stove, ain't it? [Looking about.] 
What d'ye think we oughta get on the stuff in this 
place, Maggie? 

Maggie. What d'ye think Rafferty came in 
that way for? 

Heinie [Trying to speak easily]. Why — he 
jes' dropped in. 

Maggie. What for? 

Heinie. He was up at Bates' place. I heard 
him nosin' around up there. 

Maggie. He's come in here twice like that to-day. 

Heinie [Xs C.]. He was lookin' for Steve the 
first time. 

Maggie. Oh, he knows Steve ain't in the buildin'. 

Heinie. Well, he ain't known it long, because 

he 

[Alice comes upstairs past hall window. 
Oh, there's the young lady now. 

[Coming to Maggie and putting his arm around 
her with affectionate encouragement.] 
[119 1 



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Now we 're goin' to clear our hands and our minds 
of the whole business, ain't we? In five minutes 
we'll be square with the world. 

[There is a knock at the door, and Heinie 
crosses and opens it. Alice enters — her 
manner is sweet and cheerful.] 

Alice. [Xs down C. 

Good evening, Mr. Schultz. Good evening, Maggie. 
[Looks about.] Why, you haven't done much pack- 
ing yet, have you? I wanted to hear more of your 
new plans for Wyoming. The doctor was coming 
this way in his car, so I made him bring me. [To 
Heinie.] Tell me — when did you decide to be a 
cowboy? 

Heinie [L.]. . . . It's for Maggie's sake, 
we're goin', miss. 

Alice. Oh, I think it's a splendid idea — to go 
out and start life anew — a good, healthy, wholesome 
life! [To Maggie, very sincerely.] I want you to 
go with every good wish that I can give you. That's 
why I came down here to see you. But why haven't 
you started to get ready? I thought you were 
going at once? 

Heinie. Oh, not yet awhile. In about a month. 

Alice [To Heinie]. Surely, it won't take a month 
[120] 



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to get ready? I rushed down. I thought you were 
going, say . . . to-morrow. [To Maggie.] I 
thought perhaps Mr. Schultz would be out buying 
the tickets and seeing friends, and you and I might 
pack up together and have a nice cozy little chat 

. . . talking over your new plans. 

Heinie. Oh, I see what yer drivin' at, miss . . 
you want to see Maggie alone. 

Alice. Now that you've guessed it, may I? 

Heinie. And talk over that money business of 
this afternoon that you couldn't understand.'^ 

Alice [Embarrassed]. Why 

Heinie. Well, we can both talk to you about it 
now. You see Maggie and me have straightened it 
out between ourselves, 

Alice [Serious y looking at them both]. Have you? 

Heinie. She's told me everythin'. 

Maggie. Oh, Miss Alice, what did ye think of 
me? 

Alice [To Maggie]. I know that you were in 
some deep trouble, but whatever it was you were 
doing your best — and eventually you would do 
the right thing. 

Heinie. She was doin' her best, miss. I'll answer 
for that! 

[ml 



KINDLING 



Alice. That's why I've come down to see if I 
couldn't help you. 

Maggie. But stealin' wasn't the worst of it, miss. 
I turned against you — that hurt me worse than the 
stealin'. 

Alice. Tell me everything, dear. 

Maggie. You see I was in with that fella that 
robbed your house. He give me a diamon brooch 
that belonged to you for my share. Oh, I begged 
him to gimme something' else, but he wouldn't. 
Forgive me. 

Heinie [Raising table-cloth and revealing cradle 
up C.]. That was the reason, miss. 

Alice. Maggie! 

Maggie. Oh, Miss Alice, if ye only seen what I 
seen — them things layin' empty — the little bodies 
carried away and the mothers cryin' over them and I 
was scared — scared that if I didn't get away from 

this place, mine'd be empty like that too ! 

[She breaks down sobbing violently.] 

Alice. I forgive you. I do forgive you — there 
— there! [Turning to Heinie.] Now we must think 
of what's to be done. 

[Maggie Xs to window R, opens it and sits on 
bench before it. Man of stage with fan to 
[122] 



KINDLING 



stimulate the blowing curtains. Her manner 
becoming purposeful.] 
It was a pin with four diamonds, wasn't it? 

Heinie. I ain't seen it, miss. 

Alice [To Maggie]. Are you sure it was mine? 
[Maggie nods her head '^yes.'* Alice turns to 
Heinie.] Mr. Schultz, I want you to reconsider 
and take Maggie away at once. 

Heinie. I can't do that, miss. 

Alice. I want you to take the money that you 

have [As he protests.] Merely as a loan from 

me. As we agreed upon this afternoon, and take 
Maggie — away from here as soon as you possibly 
can. 

Heinie, That's kind of ye — but — Maggie put 
down the window, you'll catch cold — [Maggie 
pulls down window y also shade] y but we couldn't 
do that, miss 

Alice. But Mr. Schultz? 

Heinie. You must understand, we'd neither of 
us feel right starting out that way. There's only 
one thing to do — redeem the brooch and give it 
back to ye. I'll do it to-night. 

Alice. But if I ask you as a favor to me 

Heinie. I'll have to refuse — honest. Miss, we 
[123] 



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don't need the money that bad. Ye see, the strike's 
off — I can earn enough inside of a month . . . 
that'll be time enough. 

Alice. But there isn't time, Mr. Schultz. 

Heinie [Surprised at her insistency]. Why not? 

Alice. You see my aunt doesn't take my view 
of this. I've tried to make her see, but 

Heinie. You mean she suspects Maggie? 

Alice. Maggie left just about the time this 
thing happened. So far, they've been able to trace 
nothing, but can't you see the danger? Won't you 
take the money and go? 

Heinie. Takin' the money wouldn't help us, 
ma'm, an' if we have to keep out of the way, why, 1 
guess New York's big enough for that. 

Alice [Troubled over it, starts up R.]. I'm sorry 
that you won't. [After thinking rapidly for a mo- 
ment.] I think you'd better let me have the ticket. 
[Dovm toward Heinie.] 

Heinie. Better let me redeem it for you, miss. 

Alice. I'll take it, please. [Heinie hands her 
the ticket.] 

Heinie [Handing her the money]. An' here's 
the money we got on it. A hundred and thirteen. 
[Alice takes it.] 

[1241 



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Alice [Studying the ticket]. Lichtenstein's? 
Where is that? 

Heinie. Just two blocks down the street. I'd 
like to save ye the trouble, miss. 

Alice. It's no trouble. I'll have the doctor take 
me down in his car. You've spoken of this to no 
one.? No one suspects.? 

Heinie. No one. 

Alice. Very well, you've returned this to me. 
We're square. So no matter what any one asks 
you, you know nothing about it? Will you promise 
me that? 

Heinie. Sure — thanks. 

[Alice goes to door C. 

Alice [At door]. Good-bye, Maggie. Fll be 
back very soon. [Exit. 

Heinie [With a sigh of great relief] . There ! Now, 
don't ye feel better? 

Maggie. I'm scared 

Heinie. Well, I ain't goin' to let that bother 
ye long. Just you put on yer hat an coat. I'll 
have ye out of this fix in about two minutes. 

Maggie [Hurriedly putting on her hat and coat]. 
Where're ye takin' me? 

Heinie [Gets cap from hook L.]. You can thank 
[125] 



KINDLING 



your friend Mrs. Burke Smith for a nice little 
outin' in Jersey. 

Maggie [Delightedly]. In the country? 

Heinie. Yes — my foreman lives over there 
with his mother. I'll take ye over and board you 
out with them for a couple of weeks. 

Maggie [Happily]. Ain't it great? What '11 I 
take with me? 

Heinie. Don't you take no thin'. We'll leave 
everythin' right here just as if we were goin' for a 
walk. Then nobody'll suspect nothin'. [Pinch- 
ing her cheek.] You want to spend your time over 
there learning how to tell ducks from turkeys. 

Maggie. It ain't a-goin' to take me long. 

Heinie. Come on, then. [In the doorway, 
Hopping to look at her.] This suits you right down 
to the ground, don't it? 

Maggie. Gee! I'm crazy about it. 

Heinie. Give us a kiss then! 

[She lets him kiss her. They start out of the 
doorway, when Heinie stops her.] 
Wait! [Whispers to her.] Go back in the room. 

[Maggie comes hack into the room and stands 
trembling with fear. Heinie locks door. 

Sh-h! [He pulls down curtain of hall window. 
1 126 1 



KINDLING 



Maggie. What is it? 

Heinie. Be quiet! 

[He stands a moment as if trying to collect his 
thoughts. Then turns down the lamp L. 
Stage dark except for light from stove. 
Heinie dashes over to the other window and 
raises shade. A man is standing outside 
on the fire-escape. With a suppressed oath, 
Heinie jerks down the curtain. He steps 
hack into the centre of the room. There is a 
sharp knock on the door. Silence. The knock 
is repeated.] 

Rafferty's Voice [In sharp command]. Schultz! 

Open up! 

Heinie [In a low voice to Maggie]. Now keep 
yer head shut! Whatever happens, keep yer head 

shut! 

[Maggie takes off hat and coat, tosses them 
into corner down R., and sits on seat below 
stove. As if realizing the futility of not open- 
ing the door, he steps over and turns the key, 
then steps back. The door is flung open and 
Rafferty comes in followed by Howland. 
HowLAND down L. of table. Rafferty C. 
Heinie R. C] 

[127] 



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Rafferty [Sharply.] Light up! 

[Heinie Xs L. and turns up lamp. Then 
to R. C. Rafferty raises curtain of the hall 
window, then Xs to the R. window and raises 
shade. He nods to the man on the fire-escape 
to come in. The other man raises the window 
and climbs into the room^ and pulls down the 
window after him.] 
[To the other officer.] Did they try it? [Nodding 
toward the window.] 

Donovan [Plain clothes man]. Sure! 
Rafferty [Looking at Heinie]. They ought 
to run an elevator down there. [To the plain clothes 
man.] That's the woman. 

Maggie [Shrinking back]. No! No! 
Heinie [Steps forward]. What you want with 
my wife.? 
Rafferty. I don't want her. Headquarters does. 
Heinie. What you got agin, Maggie.? Well, 
spit it out! 

Rafferty. You was working for Mrs. Burke 
Smith, wasn't you, Maggie? 
Maggie. Yes! 

Rafferty. What made you pull out? 
Maggie. I was tired. 

f 128] 



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Heinie. I told her to quit. 

Rafferty. What for? 

Heinie [To Rowland]. Seein' the value you 
put on life down here, I didn't want to have her 
take a chance on one o' your own homes. 

Rafferty [Impatiently]. Aw — cut that talk! 
[To Maggie.] Did you know the house was robbed 
about the time you left? 

Maggie. No! 

Rafferty. By a guy that passed himself off as 
a plumber — come to fix a broken sink. You broke 
that sink, didn't ye? 

Maggie. I — I didn't mean to. Heinie can pay 
for it! 

Rafferty. That's all right. This guy is a good 
friend of yours, ain't he? 

Heinie. No, he ain't. 

Rafferty. So you know who I mean, do ye? 

Heinie [Realising his slip]. No, I don't. But 
you can't tell me she knows anybody like that. 

Rafferty [To Maggie]. Steve's a good friend 
of yours, ain't he? 

Heinie. He wouldn't dare to open his face to her. 

Rafferty. Yes, he dared — this afternoon. 

Heinie. That's a lie! 

[129] 



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Rafferty. Right here . . . now, shut up! 
[Turning suddenly on Maggie.] Where's that dia- 
mond brooch, Maggie? [Maggie quivers hut says 
nothing.] Well 

Heinie [Pause], So, the house gets robbed, and 
jes' because Maggie quits the job it's up to her 
is it? Well, you got to pull somethin' better than 
that before you go any farther, see! 

Rafferty. If you don't like it here, we'll do it 
at headquarters. [A little less sternly.] Now, for 
your own sake, this bluff don't go. Cut it! She 
was on the inside for Steve. We got all his stuff — 
he soaked it in a Harlem pawn shop. But there's 
a diamond brooch and some cheap stuff missing. 
[To Maggie.] Now, that was your share. Where'd 
you put it? 

Rafferty [As she does not answer]. Well, you 
know how it is — the quicker you come through — 
the quicker you get out! [There is another pause, 
Rafferty looks about the room, finally he notices 
the travelling hag and paste hoard hoxes up L.] Hello, 
what's all this? Goin' away, huh? 

Heinie. We was, but changed our mind. 

Rafferty. You're frank about it. Where was 
you goin' to? 

[1301 



KINDLING 



Heinie. Wyoming. 

Rowland. That's a long walk when you haven't 
got the money. 

Rafferty. Yes — what did you expect to go 
on, Dutch? 

Heinie. Maggie borrowed the money, but when 
we changed our minds about goin' she give it back. 

Rafferty [Cynically]. Oh, she borrowed some 
money and gave it back.? That's good! [Turning 
to Maggie.] Who'd you borrow it from, Maggie? 

Maggie. Why — why the lady told me not to 
tell. 

HowLAND [Impatiently]. What damned tommy- 
rot! [To Rafferty.] Can't you see they're stall- 
ing? Well! What do you want to do — keep me 
here all night? 

Rafferty [To Rowland]. Now just a minute 
— I'm doin' this! [To Reinie.] Maggie tell you 
she borrowed it? 

Reinie. I know it's so. 

Rafferty. I guess you're straight, Dutch — 
but I guess your wife's got you buffaloed. 

Reinie. You think so, eh? Well, the party 
what made the loan blew out of here not five 
minutes ago. 

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Rafferty. Thej^ did, eh? [Turning to Mag- 
gie.] You'd better tell us the party's name, Maggie. 
For your own good. 

Heixie. Sure, I'll tell ye I [Turning to Howl.^nd.] 
It's that young lady from your house. 

HowLAXD [Amazed]. What! Miss Alice.'* 

Heixie. Yes, what d'ye know about that.^ 

Rafferty [Observing Howlaxd's amazement]. 
Yes, what d'ye know about that? 

HowL^AND. Why, it's preposterous! The brooch 
belongs to the very person he speaks of. 

Rafferty [Surprised]. Oh, it does, eh? 

HowL-\XD. Can't you see they're involving things 
simply to gain time? 

Rafferty. Didn't you know the lady was in 
the habit of loaning these people money? 

HowLAXD. I most certainly did not! 

Rafferty. Now we're getting down to facts. 

HowL.\XD [Amazed], Do you mean to tell me 
you believe this fellow's yarn? 

Rafferty . "\Miy shouldn't I ? 

HowL-iXD. But what proof has he? 

Rafferty. Just at present what proof have 
you? 

Rowland. Well, great Scott! 
[1321 



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Rafferty. Now suppose you ring up your house 
and get this thing straight from the young woman. 

Heinie. Sure. Ask her, she'll tell ye. 

[Alice enters iip R. C. Xs down R. of 
Rafferty. Rafferty Xs up and beckons 
for plain clothes man to X L. to him.] 

Rowland. Why, what on earth are you doing 
down here.'^ 

Alice [Sweetly]. Why, several things. I've come 
to see the sick child, and I've come to see Maggie. 

Rowland. Your aunt will be furious ! 

Alice. Then you will have the satisfaction of 
seeing her so. She'll be here shortly. 

Rowland. I hope you haven't dragged her 
down here to-night? 

Alice. That's exactly what Doctor Taylor is 
trying to do. If he's able. 

Rafferty [Coming down L, to Alice]. This 
the lady? 

Rowland. Yes. 

Rafferty [To Alice]. Did you lend Maggie 
any money? 

Alice. Why, yes. That is ... I did, but 
they returned it to me. 

Rowland. For just what did you lend the money? 
[133 1 



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Alice. Why, to go to Wyoming. 

Rafferty. That fits. 

Alice. What's it all about? 

Rafferty. Then she didn't raise the money on 
your jewelry? 

Alice. On my jewelry? [Turning to Rowland 
indignantly.] Oh, I see! Merely because Maggie 
left our house at the time of the robbery, you've 
come here to persecute her. Really, Mr. Rowland, 
I can't believe that my aunt will tolerate any such 
brutality. It's cruel and it's inhuman! 

Rowland. There is no desire to persecute. We 
merely wish to get back some of the articles that 
were stolen. 

Alice. Nearly everything that man took has 
been recovered. Is there anything still missing 
of such great value that you must still hound this 
woman against whom you have no evidence? 

Rafferty. Wasn't your brooch valuable? 

Alice [In a surprised manner]. My brooch? 

Rowland. Yes — we discovered after you left the 
house this morning that your jewel boxhadbeenrifled. 

Alice. My jewel box? 

Howland. No doubt you were too tender hearted 
to tell us about it last night. 
[134] 



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Alice. My jewel box? 

Rafferty [Puzzled], Say, didn't you know about 
it? 

Alice. My jewel box? 

Rowland [Impatiently]. Yes, yes. A diamond 
brooch. [Alice unbuttons her coat, exposing hroochy 
which Maggie sees] 

Alice. Do you mean this? 

Maggie. That's it ! That's it ! 

Rafferty [ToHowland]. Do you mean that? 

Rowland [Thunderstruck], Why, yes! 

Rafferty [Flying of the handle]. Well, good 
God, what are we coming to? Juggin' people for 
goods she's got on her back? 

Rowland [To Rafferty]. Now, just a minute. 
[To Alice.] You didn't wear that brooch from 
the house this morning. Your aunt said so. 

Alice. Really, Mr. Rowland, I don't believe I 
require such violent enlightenment concerning my 
own actions. 

Rowland. Well, I beg your pardon, but 

Alice [Turning to Rafferty]. I took my 
brooch to the jeweler's to be fixed yesterday after- 
noon. 

Rafferty [Suspiciously], Say, if Maggie never 
[135 1 



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saw that brooch before, how did she know it just 
now? 

Alice. She's often helped me dress at the 
house. 

Rafferty. Um — um, very good friends, ain't 
ye? 

Alice. Very. 

Rafferty. When were you down here last? 

Alice. Yesterday. 

Rafferty. Huh? 

Alice [Quickly]. This morning early. 

Rafferty [Grinning. To plain clothes man]. 
What d'ye know about this anyhow? [The other 
officer shrugs his shoulders. Eying Howland in 
disgust.] Say, you don't want a detective — you 
want a lady's maid. [To assistant.] Rubber around 
the other room. 

[Rafferty turns up stage. Assistant exits L. 
Taylor enters up R] 

Alice. [Xs to Taylor. 

Ralph, did you bring her? 

Taylor. She's on the stairs — so cross she 
wouldn't even let me help her up. 

Alice [To Maggie]. I've brought her down 
to help you, dear. 

[136] 



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Taylor. 

[Going out to landing, speaking downstairs. 
This is the last flight. 

Alice [To Rafferty]. Aunt will take things 
in hand now. 
Rafferty, Oh, ain't that nice? 

[Mrs. Burke Smith comes into the room. 
Taylor comes in after her.] 
Mrs. Burke Smith [Flustered and out of breath]. 
Oh, dear! Somebody give me something to sit on, 
please ! 
Alice. 

[Xs down R. of Mrs. Burke Smith. How- 
land places a chair for Mrs. Burke Smith 
and she sinks into it R. of table.] 
Oh, aunt, I knew you'd consent to come. 
Mrs. Burke Smith. Consent? I was dragged. 
Literally dragged here by the doctor. 

Rowland [L. of table]. My dear Mrs. Burke 
Smith. I'm afraid you've been put to a great 
deal of unnecessary trouble. 

Mrs. Burke Smith. I know that, but what 
could I do? These young ones have no considera- 
tion for one's feeling, and I was so comfortably 
settled for the evening. 

[137] 



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Alice. Oh, aunt, if you knew what it means! 

Mrs. Burke Smith. I know what it means — all 
this excitement; a perfectly wretched, restless night! 
[Giving Alice a look of reproach.] And of course, 
I know you're back of it ! You never think of others ! 
[With a sigh of martyrdom.] Well, now that I'm here, 
what's wanted of me.^ What's the situation. 

[Alice Xs up to Taylor by table up C. 

Rafferty. [Xs down R. of Mrs. Smith. 

I'll tell you the situation. As far as the Schultzes 
go, you ain't got a look-in. 

HowLAND . What do you mean by that ? Haven't 
we a warrant from the judge? 

Rafferty. Yes, and when the judge hears the 
cock and bull story you handed him to get it, you'll 
find yourself mighty liable for contempt. 

Mrs. Burke Smith. What are you saying? That 
we haven't told the truth? 

Rafferty. This man told the judge that he had 
absolute knowledge that Maggie had your brooch. 
And now one of your own family stalks in here wear- 
ing it. 

Mrs. Burke Smith. Impossible! 

Alice. [Xs down C. R. of Rafferty. 

Yes, auntie, I had it! 

[138] 



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Mrs. Burke Smith. Oh, you did.?^ Then why 
didn't you tell me? [To Rafferty.] But that 
makes no difference. Things have been disappearing 
continually for the past week. 

[Alice Xs up to Taylor again up C. 

Rafferty. Then you'd better go home and take 
the trouble to hunt them up. 

Mrs. Burke Smith. My good man 

Rafferty. My good woman — what do you 
think the police force is — something to play with? 
Something to break into honest men's houses when- 
ever the sweet fancy strikes you? 

Rowland. You're decidedly impertinent, young 
man. 

Rafferty. That'll be about all from you. Now 
clear out, the whole lot o' ye ! 

Rowland [To Mrs. Burke Smith]. Suppose 
I take you home now? I'll see what can be done 
with this matter later. 

Mrs. Burke Smith. Perhaps as no articles 
of any value have been found, we'd better not 
prosecute these people. [Pointing to Rafferty. 
Rising.] But I want that man reported for 
impertinence! That's much more important just 
now. Mr. Rowland, please call a cab. I just 
[139] 



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couldn't survive going back in the doctor's ma- 
chine ! 

[She moves toward the door accompanied by 
Rowland. Donovan enters from the other 
room, carrying a cloth bag of silver which 
Steve had left.] 
Plain Clothes Man . Here ye are! 
Rafferty [Looking at it]. Silverware. [Calling 
to Rowland and Mrs. Burke Smith.] Here! [They 
turn in hallway, come back in doorway.] This from 
your place? [Rafferty up to table up C] 

Mrs. Burke Smith. [Xs and looking at them. 
Every bit of it! [Looking at Maggie, who stands 
astounded.] She shows her guilt — look at her 
face! 

Rafferty. That settles it. [To plain clothes 
man.] Call the wagon. 

[Ralph and Alice follow Mrs. Burke Smith 

and Rowland in from hallway and stand 

about table up C, looking at silverware]. 

Alice [Starting over toward her aunt]. Oh, aunt, 

you won't let them. [To plain clothes man.] Wait! 

Wait, please! 

[Maggie down R., Reinie L. of her. Donovan 
up L. Rafferty R. of him, Alice R. of 
[ 140 1 



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Rafferty. Mrs. Burke Smith R. of Alice. 
Taylor R. of Mrs. Burke Smith. How- 
land above Taylor. Grouped around table 
up C. At their discovery of the package , Mag- 
gie and Heinie are both dumfounded. 
Maggie Xs in terror to Heinie. Heinie's 
amazement has given way to bitter anger at this 
fresh proof of Maggie's untruthfulness. He 
turns on her accusingly.] 
Maggie [To Heinie, in low terrified voice] 
What'U I do? 
Heinie [Bitterly]. Why didn't ye tell me? 
Maggie [Frantically]. I never saw them thmgs 
before. 

Heinie [Unbelievingly], How did they get here 
then? 
Maggie [Dazed]. I ... I don't know. 
Heinie. What do ye wanta lie to me again for? 
Don't ye see this breaks down everythin' between 
us? 
Maggie. No — No — I ain't lying to ye — I 

[Struck by sudden thought.] Steve!!! 

Heinie. What!!! 

Maggie. I caught him in here, this afternoon. 
[Turns toward others, about to speak.] 
[1411 



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Heinie [Quickly checking her]. Wait! Don't 
ye know it'll just make matters worse if you ring 
him in now? 

Maggie. Maybe the judge won't send me up for 
long. Promise ye'll be waitin' for me when I get 
out. 

Heinie. You ain't a gonna git sent up. [To 
Maggie in a low voice.] Now just sit down here 
an' keep yer head shut. 

[Maggie sits in wonder. Rowland Xs dovm 
X. of table, Mrs. Burke Smith R. of it. 
Alice and Taylor up C. L. of table.] 
Rafferty. [Xs down C. 

Well, Maggie, ye'd better tell us all ye know. 

Heinie. Ye needti't always talk to Maggie; 
talk to me. 
Rafferty. Well, how about it, Dutch? 
Heinie. Well, how about it? I took it. 
Rafferty. You! 
Maggie [Starting up]. What! 
Heinie. Did yer think fer a minute that Mag- 
gie 

[The others have all turned to Heinie at the 
new turn of affairs.] 
Rafferty. Just where do you come in? 
[142] 



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Heinie. I give Steve the lay of the house. 

Mks. Burke Smith [Quickly]. It might easily 
have been this fellow. He used to come to the 
house to fetch his wife! 

Maggie. Will you listen to me? 

Rafferty. All right, Dutch. I'll have to take 

ye. 

[Hand on Heinie's shoulder and starts for door. 

Maggie. Here — wait 

[Dragging cradle from under the table up C, 
and snatching up baby ribbon out of it.] 
Here, look at this stuff, baby ribbon. D*ye think 
Heinie'd steal stuff like that? 

[Mrs. Burke Smith Xs down below table to Howland 
Heinie [Interrupting her]. Wait a minute. [To 
Rafferty aside.] Let me talk to her a minute. 

[Rafferty nods assent and Heinie goes dovm 
to Maggie.] 
Maggie, you got to let me go ! You got to ! 
Maggie [Clinging to him]. No, no! 
Heinie. It was all my fault. I scared ye into it. 
Maggie. No, no, you're all I got in the world. 
Heinie. Listen, honey . . . there's some- 
thin' else. Our little baby, he can't be born in jail. 
We can't start him off wrong like that. 
[143] 



KINDLING 



Maggie [Standing off and looking at him strangely]. 
So, that's your reason? 

HErNiE. We can do that much for it! 

Maggie [Half to herself]. Jail! It's as good as 
the gutter, ain't it? 

Heinie. We'll make the best of it, honey. 

Maggie. [Her scorn rising. Xs R. 

The best of it? So, I got my choice, have I? 
Whether my child will be born in jail or in the gutter. 

Heinie. Now, don't lose yer head, Maggie. . . . 

Maggie [Shrilly, hysterically]. I ain't losin' 
my head. . . . I'm just gettin' on to myself the 
kind of a fool I been. 

Rowland. Oh, come now, this noise won't save 
you! 

Maggie. That man was goin' to jail in my place, 
because o' that. [Pointing to the cradle.] He didn't 
want his baby born there. Think of it, to save his 
baby from the shame of jail . . . why don't ye 
tell him it ain't no use. You know it ain't. 

Mrs. Burke Smith. What do you mean? 

Maggie. What chance has it got, can ye tell me? 
It's comin' inter the world weaklin', to be shoved 
into the gutter .... You can't save it. 

Heinie. Maggie. . . 

[144 1 



KINDLING 



Maggie. Oh, what's the use! I fought ... I 
lied ... I stole ... I wanted to give my baby 
a chance — that was right, wasn't it? I wanted it 
healthy an' strong an' decent. But it ain't no use 
— it ain't no use. There's somethin' wrong some- 
where, I tell ye . . . an' mine . . . mine's . . . 
to be the scum o' the earth cursin* me for the very 
life I give it. 

Heinie. Maggie . . . 

Maggie. Them's yer own words. Ye all told 
me, an' it's the truth. ... Ye rubbed it in till I've 
gone crazy with it. Now I'm scared. I'm scared 

o' what's comin' — I can't face it [Dovm on 

knees at cradle.] It's too much to ask of me . . . 
it's too much to ask of any woman. [Takes hahy 
clothes in hands ^ presses to face.] It ain't no use, 
it ain't no use. 

[Throws herself upon the cradle sobbing. She 
lies over the cradle exhausted by her passion^ 
moaning. Mrs. Burke Smith, hysteri- 
cally, sits L. of table.] 
Heinie [Quietly as he kneels beside her]. Raff- 
erty, ask these people to git out, will ye — I 

want to talk to my wife alone 

Rafferty beckons for them to leave. Mrs. 
[145 1 



KINDLING 



Burke Smith Xs below table to R. of table. 

Taylor Xs up and into hallway, Rowland 

up to table up C. Heinie takes Maggie 

to rocker, where she sinks limply.] 

Alice [Stepping forward, down C. R. of Mrs 

Burke Smith]. Wait, please. [To Mrs. Burke 

Smith.] Aunt, I had you dragged down here, and 

you said the excitement would cause you a wretched 

night. Will you blame me for this or for other 

wretched nights if you've been brought to see — 

to understand 

Mrs. Burke Smith [Brokenly]. 

[Turns and speaks to Rowland.] 
Rafferty. Well, what do you want done? 
Rowland. Mrs. Burke Smith has decided to 
withdraw the charge. 

[Rafferty motions for Donovan to go down- 
stairs.] 
Alice. Oh, aunt! [Her head on Mrs. Burke 
Smith's shoulder.] 

Mrs. Burke Smith [Controlling her emotion 
with an effort]. I looked on things down here too 
casually ... I didn't know ... I didn't 
realize . . . 

[Mrs. Burke Smith exits downstairs, fol- 
[146] 



KINDLING 



lowed by Taylor and Rowland. Rafferty 
at door shakes his head in disgust.] 
Rafferty. It's a shame things has to be like 
this. 

Alice. [Xs to Heinie. 

Mr. Schultz! Will you grant me a great favor? 
Heinie [Back of rocker]. Any thing, miss ! 
Alice [Handing Heinie two railroad tickets]. 
I got these for you. 
Heinie, The passage? 

Alice. Will you go? [As he hesitates.] My first 
request and you refuse it? 

Heinie [Choking] . You got to let us pay ye back. 
Alice. Yes and with interest. I shall be a reg- 
ular old miser about the interest. 

[Alice Xs to table L. and gets gloves ^ then 

starts up C, Heinie gets stool from above 

stove, brings to L. of rocker, sits and takes 

Maggie's head on shoulders.] 

Rafferty [To Alice, Xs up C. to her. 

Say, you're a pretty smart young woman, ain't ye? 

Alice [Defiantly]. Am I? 

Rafferty. So your brooch was in the jeweler's? 
I'll hand Dutch the price of a brooch if he can tell me 
what jeweler's you had it in. 
[147] 



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Alice. The charge has been dropped, I believe. 

Rafferty. That's why I'm tippin' ye off now. 
I don't want you to think me any more of a rube 
sheriff than necessary. 

Alice. You mean you don't believe my brooch 
was at the jeweler's? 

Rafferty. Well, I give the best imitation I could 
of a credulous man ! But when the other junk showed 
up — why [He looks at her meaningly.] 

Alice [Understanding]. Oh, I see. Thank you, 
Mr. Rafferty. [Shakes hands with him.] 

Rafferty. Well, good-night and good luck to ye. 

[ExitSy and downstairs, 

Alice [Xs down R. to Heinie and Maggie.] 
Good-night, Maggie, and good-bye. 

[Exits up R. and downstairs. 

Maggie. Heinie ! Maybe there's roses in Wyom- 
ing. 

Curtain 




THE COUNTRY LIFE PRESS 
GARDEN CITT, N.Y. 




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